The Best Supporting Actor Contenders were:

PAUL GIAMATTI (Cinderella Man)
He is the current frontrunner having just taken the SAG win. His win here might also be consolation for last years surprise omission of a best actor nomination

GEORGE CLOONEY (Syriana)
Clooney is very popular and is up in two other categories - best director and co writer of best picture nominee, GOOD NIGHT AND GOOD LUCK. Somehow, he may not be allowed to go home empty handed on Oscar night and this could be the category he might take

MATT DILLON (Crash)
Dillon was the luckiest of the great ensemble that made his film one up for the big prize. He could be the wild card victor especially if there votes are split between Giamatti and Clooney

JAKE GYLLENHAAL (Brokeback Mountain)
He could spring a surprise if the anticipated victory by the film in the top categories also comes with one of its three nominated acting categories. Jake was a surprise winner at BAFTA two weeks ago which was right in the middle of the voting at the Academy and might have melted a few more hearts with his humility at the podium

WILLIAM HURT (The History of Violence)
His performance was a pure joy despite being onscreen for the last couple of scenes.He was touted earlier and won both the NYFCC and LAFCA but did not do well at the Golden Globes and SAG. The fact that he secured a nomination shows small support and this former best actor oscar winner, (KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN) 1986 could be the dark horse in this category

WINNER: GEORGE CLOONEY (Syriana)