The Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor is an annual award presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) to honor an actor who has delivered an outstanding performance in a supporting role in a film. This award is part of the Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars, which recognize excellence in cinematic achievements. Introduced in 1936, the award aims to acknowledge the significant contributions of supporting actors to the storytelling process. Nominees are selected by members of the Academy, and the winner is determined through a voting process. The award highlights the importance of character roles that enhance the main narrative.