TIME's Oscar Guide

Downey's most notable pictures, aside from his mug shots, have revealed him as an actor who can make thought sexy. The brain and mouth whirr in perfect synch, creating a gallery of men who are often too smart for their own good. Strong, furtive appearances in Zodiac, The Singing Detective, A Scanner Darkly and Good Night, and Good Luck culminated in the trenchant starring role as Tony Stark in Iron Man. So what movie brings Downey his first Oscar nomination in 16 years? One of the rare stupid-guy roles he's played: the blackface, relatively one-note Method actor in Ben Stiller's action farce. Nutty, man. (Odds of Winning: 40 to 1)