They shoulda been contenders - 2008

Josh Brolin in "No Country for Old Men"

Best actor

Though he's been overlooked in favor of co-stars Javier Bardem and Tommy Lee Jones, Brolin holds your attention in "No Country" despite a limited amount of dialogue and a naïve belief in his ability to escape ruthless killer Anton Chigurh (Bardem). We're captivated by his choices even—hell, particularly— when they're foolish, and still hold out hope that maybe, somehow, he can survive the chase. —M.P.