What differentiates a 'supporting' actor from a 'lead' actor?

SAG-AFTRA pay tiers are based off of this labeling. TV and film have different role specs: Television * Series Regular- The main characters on a television show who usually appear in almost every episode of the season. read more

Supporting- A significant character in a film who supports the lead actors. Ex: Paul Dano in “Little Miss Sunshine”. Principal - a small speaking role that often interacts with one of the lead characters but is not central to the story line. read more

Supporting Actors. Supporting actors are acting troopers backing up the leads either in supporting roles in a play or film production or as part of the chorus line in a musical. Supporting actors are commonly lead actors in training. read more

If Academy members split their votes between lead and supporting for the same actor or actress in the same film, whichever category first receives the required number of votes to be nominated is the one in which the actor's performance is placed. read more