Here are the five nominees: (Winner in Bold)
Biggest Snub:
Charles Laughton – Ruggles of Red Gap (eventhough an actor can’t get two nominations in same category)
Fredric March – Les Miserables
My Overall Thoughts:
This was a historical year since it was the sole time that 3 actors from the same film were all nominated in the same category, essentially cancelling each other out. There was a write in campaign for Paul Muni in Black Fury, but since he wasn’t on the official ballot, he can’t be counted.
My Rankings:
Acting Performances
4. Clark Gable
3. Franchot Tone
2. Victor McLaglen
1. Charles Laughton
Movies
2. Mutiny on the Bounty – Later productions were much better and I found this depiction a bit boring even with Laughton and Gable on board.
1. The Informer – Great look into the motives of people when they must do things when feel they have no other choice. The pacing is great and Ford does a great job getting the emotional impact of the story from numerous perspectives.
Do I agree with the Oscar winner? – Not Really! McLaglen won because the other three split their votes since they were all from the same film. Laughton is the most powerful and memorable performance of the 3, despite the fact that the film itself doesn’t age very well and is not the best production of the famous story.
Let me know what you think about these films and my rankings!
MovieRob 
I haven’t seen Mutiny in the Bounty in ages, but I absolutely loved Laughton in Ruggles of Red Gap. I have honestly never heard of The Informer, so I’ll have to check that out. I have really been enjoying this series, so thanks for the interesting content!
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You preferred the Brando version? Mel Gibson? McLaglen was very good as The Informer, but can’t argue with theory that the 3 from Mutiny canceled one another out. Laughton was terrific – also had the “villainous” role which is usually meatier to play. Nothing for The 39 Steps – or for Errol Flynn – buckling his swash in Captain Blood. Trivia: rumor had it that john Ford had McLaglen constantly boozed up so he wouldn’t launch into his usual scenery chewing mode – and lay the role more introspective and subdued.
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