Tell It ‘Straight’: He’s 79

At 79, Richard Farnsworth (“The Straight Story”) is the oldest best actor nominee. However, Melvyn Douglas won best supporting actor at age 79 for 1979’s “Being There.”

When Age Doesn’t Matter

At 11, Haley Joel Osment, nominated for “The Sixth Sense,” is the third-youngest best supporting actor nominee. The youngest best supporting actor nominee was Justin Henry, who was 8 when he was nominated for the 1979 film “Kramer vs. Kramer.” Tatum O’Neal is the youngest supporting performer winner. She was just 10 when she won best supporting actress for 1973’s “Paper Moon.”

Streep Is More Supportive

Meryl Streep receives her 12th acting nomination, for “Music of the Heart,” which ties her with Katharine Hepburn, who has held the record of 12 for 18 years. However, Hepburn’s nominations were all for best actress. Streep has received two supporting actress nominations and 10 for best actress.

Like Father, Like Daughter

Thirty years ago Jon Voight, the father of best supporting actress nominee Angelina Jolie (“Girl, Interrupted”), received his first Oscar nomination. He was nominated for best actor for “Midnight Cowboy.” He won the award for 1978’s “Coming Home.”

Behind Bars: the Tradition

Best picture nominee “The Green Mile” is set in a prison’s death row. The first film set in a prison to be nominated for best film was 1930’s “The Big House,” starring Wallace Beery and Chester Morris.

Sticking With the Winners

Michael Caine, nominated for best supporting actor, stars in the best picture nominee “The Cider House Rules.” Thirty-three years ago, Caine starred in the best picture nominee “Alfie,” for which he was nominated for best actor. He also appeared in the 1986 best picture nominee “Hannah and Her Sisters,” for which he won a best supporting actor Oscar.

Williams Is Keeping Score

With his nod for “Angela’s Ashes,” composer John Williams is the most nominated living person with 38. His first nomination was for 1967 cult favorite “Valley of the Dolls.”