We have all been to many a film where we were pretty excited about the cast that were involved, but then suddenly someone shows up about an hour in and you realise, they are really the stars of the piece. Here are sixteen supporting actos and actresses that really stole the show.

1. Stanley Tucci, Easy A

Incredibly difficult to steal the show for this one, but he did it successfully!

2. Anne Hathaway, Les Miserables

She was on screen for less than forty minutes, but she still managed to secure that Best Supporting Acress Oscar.

3. Chloe Moretz, Kick Ass

Need we say more?

4. Cuba Gooding Jr, Jerry Maguire

SHOW ME THE MONEY!

5. Anthony Hopkins, Silence of the Lambs

Just petrifying.

6. Judi Dench, Shakespeare in Love

Less than eight minutes on screen, just magic.

7. Octavia Spencer, The Help

Yes, the story and cast were bloody amazing but Octavia as Minny Jackson stole our hearts... and the show.

8. Christoph Waltz, Inglourious Basterds

You will never eat strudel the same way again.

9. Mark Wahlberg, The Departed

He just pipped Alec Baldwin at the post.

10. Penelope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Just the right amount of crazy...

11. Melissa McCarthy, Bridesmaids

Hilariously funny, McCarthy managed to steal the show away from a very brilliant cast.

12. Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight

He gave Gotham a better class of criminal.

13. Jennifer Hudson, Dreamgirls

Beyonce who?

14. Meryl Streep, The Devil Wears Prada

Anne, you had your moment.

15. Joe Pesci, Goodfellas

Do I amuse you?

16. Michael Shannon, Revolutionary Road

He just about manages to steal every film he is cast in...