2) Creed
No comeback story this year could have been more unpredictable than Sylvester Stallone with Creed. But the Italian Stallion could be well on his way to a Best Supporting Actor nod for his return as Rocky Balboa. And, the cool thing about it this time around is that Rocky is not in the spotlight, allowing Stallone to give a much more subtle, sympathetic performance. And it’s working.
No film this year shocked critics and audiences more than Creed in terms of being a comeback for both Stallone and the franchise itself. The film packs just the right amount of nostalgic punch without ever feeling like its doing it just to do it. It feels special, both a return to form and something new. That sentimentality could land Stallone a nomination, and right now, he has a lot of backing; he landed a nomination for the role at the Golden Globes this year.