George C Scott or Jackie Gleason?

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Having just re-watched it, I might go with Gleason. His facial expressions and presence make the two scenes he's in, a great contrast to the obnoxious, trash-talking Fast Eddie (first match), and the angry (at Bert) but more focused Eddie in the rematch.

Also, watch Fat's facial expressions AFTER he concedes the last match, while Fast Eddie talks to Bert about refusing to be owned, and refusing to forget his lady. Fats is far more deflated at being "owned" by Bert than by losing to a superb talent in Fast Eddie. Fats has much greater respect for Fast Eddie, who at this point is standing up to Bert in a courageous, gutsy way that Fats probably wishes he had.

Still, I would rate George C. Scott the best of the three in terms of dramatic acting. Newman was also very good, and Gleason too, although I believe he only did two dramatic roles (The Hustler, and Requiem for a Heavyweight), and was excellent in both.

Neither, both.

Older movies are best, since you get a plethora of great actors all together, something hard to come by today because of costs. I think Gleason gets the edge because much of his communication was through body language much more so than Scott. But hard to make a distinction for the award.

I hate individual awards for films, the art is dependent on many factors and singling out an individual is just plain silly.