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).