candidate: James McAvoy – Filth , Trance and Welcome to the Punch Christian Bale – " American Hustle " and " Out of the Furnace " Steve Coogan – "" , " The Look of Love " , " Philomena " and " What Maisie Knew " Chiwetel Ejiofor – " 12 Years a Slave " Michael Fassbender – " The Counselor " and " 12 Years a Slave "