Best Supporting Actor 1947: Results

5. Charles Bickford in The Farmer's Daughter- Bickford is certainly fine in his part, but nothing special. He perhaps could have stolen some scenes but he never is able to.

4. Thomas Gomez in Ride the Pink Horse- Although his part is fairly limited Gomez gives an enjoyable and charming performance that only adds to his film.

3. Edmund Gwenn in Miracle on 34th Street- Gwenn is not really a definitive Santa Clause by any means, and this is not any sort of great performance, but it is a good one where Gwenn makes Santa Clause just as kind and warm as he should be.

2. Robert Ryan in Crossfire- Robert Ryan plays the sort of role he became best known for and the truth is there is a reason he became known for this sort of role, because he was very good at it. This is not his best variation on this sort of character though.

1. Richard Widmark in Kiss of Death- There is no question for me who wins this year though as Widmark easily gives the most memorable and most effective performance out of the nominees. Widmark becomes basically invisible in his chilling creation of Tommy Udo a psychopath who only ever finds joy from what he does.

Best Supporting Actor 1947: Thomas Gomez in Ride the Pink Horse

Thomas Gomez received his only Oscar nomination for portraying Pancho in Ride the Pink Horse.

Ride the Pink Horse tells of an ex American GI Lucky Gagin (Robert Montgomery) who goes down to a New Mexico border town to seek revenge against a crime boss who killed his friend.

Thomas Gomez plays one of the Mexicans in the border town who runs the local carousel, and befriends Gagin, after he convinces Gagin to buy several locals drinks because the bar did not have enough change for Gagin's ten dollar bill. Thomas Gomez actually gives a very nice performance as Pancho who eventually saves Gagin despite being threatened physically himself. Although really this could have been a role that could have only been stereotype or two dimensional but Gomez makes an honest character out of Pancho even with the little time he is given.

He adds a much needed bright face to the film that tries to bring some joy to the whole proceedings. Gomez does not make Pancho for a second some sort of forced comic relief though, instead Gomez makes Pancho a joyful fellow that naturally brings a lighter element to the film. He actually has good chemistry with Robert Montgomery and the two have a nice dynamic with Montgomery being rather serious and to the point, and Gomez being far more relaxed who would rather take his time with things.

Thomas Gomez is always a good presence in the film and only adds to basically the color of the film. He is particularly good when his loyalty to Gagin is challenged by thugs. Gomez is very good in this scene giving a realistic portrayal of loyalty Pancho has for his friend, and the scene is rather hard one to watch as Pancho is beaten because Gomez is just so likable as Pancho. Although this is not an overly complex character, Gomez only ever works to add to his the film with easy charm and joyful character.

Best Supporting Actor 1947

And the Nominees Were:

Robert Ryan in Crossfire

Richard Widmark in Kiss of Death

Edmund Gwenn in Miracle on 34th Street

Thomas Gomez in Ride the Pink Horse

Charles Bickford in The Farmer's Daughter