Oscar 2014 Best Supporting Actor - Jonah Hill Sold Himself To Leo In Order To Snag 'Wolf Of Wall Street’ Role; Will ‘Superbad’ Star Take The ‘Sidekick Award’ Home?

Jonah Hill made quite an impression in his "Superbad" lead role. He was very effective as a comedian, but it is remarkable that he rose above the stereotype and is now considered a serious actor.

"Superbad" had a lot of breakout actors. Aside from Hill, it also launched Michael Cera and Emma Stone. But Jonah Hill is now at a different level. After landing a role opposite Brad Pitt in "Moneyball" in which he got his first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting actor.

Now, he is in the "The Wolf Of Wall Street" directed by Martin Scorsese. He has a rapport with Leonardo di Caprio, who was instrumental for him to land the role. He narrates that in an interview with the Vulture:

"I heard that I was in contention for it, and then Leonardo DiCaprio and I were in Mexico at the same time because we were both there promoting films. I asked if I could meet with him before I was scheduled to meet with Scorsese, and I said to Leo, "I have to play this part. I'm the only actor who can play this part." And he said, "Why?" And I said, "Because I recognize who this person is and he's a lot of what's wrong with society. He's someone who cares about money more than he cares about anything else, and that's all he cares about - and he doesn't care who he has to hurt to get it." And Leo was really great. He called Scorsese and told him that he had met with me, and when they told me I was going to fly to New York and meet with Scorsese, I said, "Well, can I read for him also?" Because I'd rather show him what I planned to do instead of just talking about it."

Hill continues the story: "I hadn't been on an audition in six years. [Laughs.] So not only was I terrified to go on an audition again, but I was even more terrified that I was going to audition for my hero. But I'm so glad I did, because Ellen Lewis, the casting director, and Scorsese were so great, and I got to show them what I wanted to do."

Reviews for Jonah Hill on "The Wolf Of Wall Street" are overwhelming, and Oscar predictions for both Hill and Leo are gaining ground.

Scott Feinberg predicts a possible Oscar nomination as "TWOWS" has the same elements as "Moneyball": "Lightning could certainly strike twice as The Wolf of Wall Street has all of those ingredients plus a legendary director in Martin Scorsese leading the charge."

However, Indiewire has him just outside the five man nomination list. The prime candidate to win the Best Supporting Actor award at this point is Jared Leto of "Dallas Buyers Club"