Oscar stats: Young and young at heart
If Julie Christie wins best actress for "Away from Her," she'll set a new record for longest gap between two wins. In February, almost 42 years will have passed since she claimed that same prize on April 18, 1966 for "Darling," released in 1965. Currently, the record is held by Helen Hayes — 38 years, four months, and 28 days separated her best actress win for "The Sin of Madelon Claudet" (awards year 1931; ceremony date November 18, 1932) and supporting actress for "Airport" (awards year 1970; ceremony date April 15, 1971).
If Ruby Dee wins best supporting actress for "American Gangster," she'll become the oldest overall winner of an acting trophy, at 83 years, 3 months, and 24 days, eclipsing Jessica Tandy who won best actress for "Driving Miss Daisy" (1989) at 80 years, 9 months, and 19 days. She is not the oldest acting nominee, however. That record is held by Gloria Stuart who was 87 years, nine months, and 19 days on Oscar night when she was nommed in the supporting race for "Titanic" (1997).
If Hal Holbrook wins best supporting actor for "Into the Wild," he'll become the oldest male winner of an acting trophy, at 83 years, 1 week, eclipsing George Burns who won best supporting actor for "The Sunshine Boys" (1976) at 80 years, 2 months, and nine days. By the way, Henry Fonda is the oldest best actor winner, at age 76 months, 10 months, and 13 days for "On Golden Pond" (1981) while Richard Farnsworth is the oldest best actor nominee at 79 years, six months, and 25 days for "The Straight Story" (1999).
If Ellen Page wins best actress for "Juno," she'll be the youngest champ in that category. She turns 21 on February 21; Marlee Matlin won for "Children of a Lesser God" (1986) when she was 21 years, 7 months, and 6 days. However, Page is not the youngest best actress nominee. That record is held by Keisha Castle-Hughes, who was 13 years, 11 months, and five days on Oscar night when she was nommed for "Whale Rider" (2003).



Equally happy about Ruby Dee! She probably won't beat the Blanchett but I'm glad she's got that nod.
Does Blanchett set some kind of record for being nominated for playing real people?
Posted by: junior | January 22, 2008 at 12:52 PM
Another interesting fact: This is the first year in the ENTIRE HISTORY of the Oscars that a total of 18 films were represented in the acting categories and quite some time since just one film (MICHAEL CLAYTON) received multiple acting nominations.
Posted by: Gary | January 22, 2008 at 08:43 AM
On the video you said Ellen Page would be the first Best Actress winner for a comedy since Diane Keaton, uou counted out Gwenyth Paltrow.
Are Moonstruck and As Good as It Gets now considered dramas?
I now you are tyring to do it on the fuly and forgot.
Posted by: Chuckster | January 22, 2008 at 08:16 AM
I am really surprised that Juno got in. Such a lightweight movie. Any other heavy weight movie could have taken its place, but that's Hywd for you.
Posted by: Chicago48 | January 22, 2008 at 07:16 AM
So happy Ruby Dee was nom'd....now just give her the damn Oscar!
Posted by: Chicago48 | January 22, 2008 at 07:15 AM
Is Andrej Wajda (81)(KATYN) the oldest director of a pic in the running?
Posted by: Gaydos | January 22, 2008 at 07:13 AM