As my Envelope colleague Scott Feinberg points out, we have lots of actors in this year's derby competing with two films. Josh Brolin could be nominated in the lead race for "W." and in supporting for "Milk." Penelope Cruz has a stellar lead role in "Elegy" in addition to her impressive turn in "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" that'll certainly result in a nomination as best supporting actress.

Unlike directors and writers, actors may only be nominated once per category, but they have two spots to compete, if they define one role as lead, the other supporting. Oscar voters may choose to ignore that guidance, though, when inking their ballots. At the Golden Globes and SAG, qualification committees determine where to put players.

At past Oscars, 11 stars have been nominated twice in one year. Clearly, that didn't hurt their chances to prevail due to vote splitting. Seven won. Note: After Barry Fitzgerald got nominated in lead and supporting for "Going My Way," rules were changed to prohibit that from happening again.

Fay Bainter (1938)
Best actress: "White Banners"
Best supporting actress: "Jezebel" (winner)

Barry Fitzgerald (1942)
Best actor: "Going My Way"
Best supporting actor: "Going My Way" (winner)

Theresa Wright (1942)
Best actress: "Pride of the Yankees"
Best supporting actress: "Mrs. Miniver" (winner)

Jessica Lange (1982)
Best actress: "Frances"
Best supporting actress: "Tootsie" (winner)

Sigourney Weaver (1988)
Best actress: "Gorillas in the Mist"
Best supporting actress: "Working Girl"

Al Pacino (1992)
Best actor: "Scent of a Woman" (winner)
Best supporting actor: "Glengarry Glen Ross"