Hilary Swank, 30, ascension to Oscar favorite was helped by winning the Critics' Choice and the Golden Globe Awards. But ultimately the SAG win maight have been the best predictor: During the past 10 years, SAG's actress choice has gone on to Oscar gold 70 percent of the time.

“Silkwood” was nominated for five Oscars, including Director for Mike Nichols, Original Screenplay for Nora Ephron and Alice Arlen, and Best Actress for Meryl Streep.

Mike Nichols has received four Oscar nominations as Best Director, winning one, in 1967, for The Graduate,” his second film.

Norma Rae was nominated for four Oscars, including Best Picture, winning two: Best Actress for Sally Field and Original Song, “It Goes Like It Goes,” music by David Shire, lyrics by Norman Gimbel.

Brit Jeremy Irons won the Best Actor Oscar at his first nomination in a contest that included Kevin Costner in “Dances With Wolves,” Robert De Niro in “Awakenings,” Gerard Depardieu in “Cyrano de Bergerac,” and Richard Harris in “The Field.”