Riding the wave of public opinion sparked by the dock incident, Martin swept through the award season, clinching the Best Supporting Actor prize in ceremonies big and small.
From the Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award to the People's Choice Award, and then to the Screen Actors Guild Award, every Best Supporting Actor trophy, without exception, ended up in Martin's hands.
Mid-January, at the Golden Globe Awards, although Martin did not attend, the trophy for Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture was still brought back by Thomas, who accepted it on his behalf.
Martin had recorded a video specifically for expressing thanks, in which he was seen undergoing rehabilitation for his arm and legs, and aside from expressing his gratitude for the awards, he reassured his supporters that he would be discharged soon.
Among The Dark Knight's rightful contenders at the Oscars, it was Martin's Best Supporting Actor that seemed the most likely to snag an award.
