Guide to Oscar: Best Supporting Actor

The Supporting Actor category was introduced in 1936. Until 1943 the Supporting Actor winners received a plaque rather than an actual Oscar statue.

This year's nominees:

Kenneth Branagh, My Week with Marilyn

2nd nomination for acting. Previously nominated (as Lead Actor) for Henry V.

Jonah Hill, Moneyball

First nomination.

Nick Nolte, Warrior

3rd nomination. Previously nominated for The Prince of Tides and Affliction.

Christopher Plummer, Beginners

2nd nomination. Previously nominated for The Last Station.

Max von Sydow, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

2nd nomination. Previously nominated for Pelle the Conqueror.