A supporting actor is an actor who performs a role in a play or film below that of a lead role, and above that of a bit parts. In recognition of important nature of this work, the theater and film industries give separate awards to the best supporting actors and actresses.These range from minor roles to principal players and are often pivotal or vital to the story as in a best friend, love interest, "sidekick" (such as Robin in the Batman series), or "antagonist" (such as the villain).