Male Actor In a Leading Role

2. Jack Black, “Bernie”

Known for his all-out, manic comedic roles in films like “Tropic Thunder” and “High Fidelity,” Black turned in one of his best performances ever as Bernie Tiede, a gay small-town mortician beloved by the community who snapped and killed an elderly companion. In this true tale from “School of Rock” director Richard Linklater, Bernie still comes off the victim, just too darn lovable to blame for his crime. While Bernie maintains Black’s inherent likability, it’s also a sweet, nuanced performance with some wonderfully handled dramatic moments.

Photo Source: Millennium Entertainment