Max von Sydow is the Swedish man who came closest, with two nominations, but Stellan Skarsgård could become the first male actor from Sweden to win an Oscar, for his performance in the Norwegian film "Sentimental Value".
The gala, which will be broadcast live on Disney+, begins at midnight.
Campaigning for the Oscars is an entire industry that employs film workers, PR agents - and journalists for months leading up to the gala.
One of the most widely read writers is Pete Hammond, a reporter, columnist and critic for the trade magazine Deadline Hollywood. He notes that the action comedy "One Battle After Another" and the horror drama "Sinners" are big favorites, which have only gotten bigger in recent weeks. This affects "Sentimental Value", which has a whopping nine nominations, but is up against the blockbusters in many categories - including best supporting actor.
“Nice guy”
Stellan Skarsgård has long been seen as a favorite to win an Oscar in that category. He is well-liked in Hollywood and has campaigned hard, says Pete Hammond, who has interviewed him several times during the campaign.
"He's a nice guy and has hired a well-respected PR agent. He's been on top of everything in the campaign and has done what's required," Hammond says.
But now Skarsgård is challenged by Sean Penn for "One Battle After Another".
"Sean Penn has been on a strong run with two important wins recently, at the BAFTAs and the Actors Awards, and like at the Oscars, his colleagues vote there. So it's important."
Battle of the Three Emperors
Delroy Lindo in "Sinners" also came out strong at the end, notes Hammond. So it looks like it will be a three-way battle for the Oscar statuette.
After criticism that the Academy was too American, white and old-fashioned, thousands of new younger members from outside the US have been admitted in recent years. This could tip the scales in Skarsgård's favor, Hammond believes.
"It's a very unusual situation, so it could be that the international votes decide it for Stellan. I wouldn't rule it out," says Pete Hammond.
But if you had to guess, who would win?
"If I had to guess, I always go with the safe card, and if there is such a thing in this category, it is Sean Penn. Because that movie has been seen by a lot of people."
Mikael Forsell/TT
Facts: ... and the nominees are
TT
The nominees in the category of best supporting actor are: Benicio del Toro, "One Battle After Another"; Jacob Elordi, "Frankenstein"; Delroy Lindo, "Sinners"; Sean Penn, "One Battle After Another"; and Stellan Skarsgård, "Sentimental Value".
No Swedish male actor has ever won an Oscar. Max von Sydow was nominated in 1988 for "Pelle the Conqueror" and in 2011 for "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close."
Two Swedish women have received an acting Oscar: Ingrid Bergman (three) and Alicia Vikander. Greta Garbo received an honorary Oscar.
