LEAD ACTOR

From portraying flawed real-life men to a fictional character, the nominees brought their best to the fore

Bradley Cooper “A Star Is Born”

Cooper co-wrote, directed and produced the blockbuster hit, and also stars in the film, delivering one of the best performances of his career as alcoholic singer Jackson Maine. The seven-time nominee brings his own inherently likability to a challenging role and counts Golden Globe, BAFTA and SAG award nominations among his accolades.

Rami Malek, “Bohemian Rhapsody”

In his first starring role in a studio movie, Malek became a bona fide movie star for embodying Freddie Mercury, the late frontman of Queen. He’s already beat some stiff competition to win Golden Globe, SAG and BAFTA Awards and could well be on his way to winning his first Academy Award for his go-for-broke performance.

Christian Bale, “Vice”

Bale earned a fourth Oscar nomination (he won in supporting for 2010’s “The Fighter”) for summoning former vice president Dick Cheney in Adam Mckay’s pic. (Further proof Bale was born to play Cheney? They have the same day of birth.) The performance landed Bale SAG Award and BAFTA nominations, two Critics Choice Awards, and a Golden Globe.

Willem Dafoe, “At Eternity’s Gate”

After three nominations for supporting actor, Dafoe breaks into the lead race with a nod for playing Vincent Van Gogh in Julian Schnabel’s latest. Dafoe is completely convincing as the tortured artist and always captivating, whether grappling with his mental illness or discussing theology.

Viggo Mortensen, “Green Book”

The versatile Mortensen earned his third actor nomination for playing Tony “Lip,” the chauffer to Don Shirley on his tour of the south. A Golden Globe, BAFTA and SAG Award nominee for the role, Mortensen adopts an Italian accent, has great chemistry with costar Mahershala Ali, and earns bonus points for the moment he folds a pizza in half like a taco.