For lead actor, dark horse «Biutiful» star Javier Bardem — who portrays a hustler confronting questions about his mortality and morality in the Barcelona - set film — edged strong contenders including «Blue Valentine» heartthrob Ryan Gosling, Robert Duvall's
portrayal of a hermit in «Get Low» and Mark Wahlberg's turn as a working - class boxer in «The Fighter.»