Guide to Oscar: Best Supporting Actress

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

This year's nominees:

Berenice Bejo, The Artist

First nomination.

Jessica Chastain, The Help

First nomination.

Melissa McCarthy, Bridesmaids

First nomination.

Janet McTeer, Albert Nobbs

Second nomination. Previously nominated (as Lead Actress) for Tumbleweeds.

Octavia Spencer, The Help

First nomination.