Most predictions for the best actor nominations included Michael Fassbender for his physically and emotionally naked performance in "Shame," Leonardo DiCaprio showing us the FBI leader's life over several decades in "J. Edgar," or Michael Shannon as the tortured construction worker who is either receiving a revelation from God or losing his mind in "Take Shelter."

Instead, the nomination went to Bichir, for his sensitive performance in "A Better Life" as an undocumented immigrant caring for his son in Los Angeles.