FILE PHOTO: Biopic Roles Traditionally Lead As Oscar Nominations Are Announced

(FILE PHOTO) In this composite image a comparison has been made between Sir Laurence Olivier (L) with Marilyn Monroe (L) and actor Kenneth Branagh (R) with actress Michelle Williams (R). Oscar hype continues this week with the announcement of the nominations for the 84th Academy Awards. Luise Rainer became the first actress to receive an Academy Award for her role in the 1936 biopic 'The Great Ziegfeld,' playing stage performer Anna Held. Over half of the last ten Oscars for best actor or actress have been for performances in a biopic. ***LEFT IMAGE*** 1956: American film star Marilyn Monroe (1926 - 1962) accepts a light from British thespian Laurence Olivier (1907 - 1989) at a press conference at the Savoy Hotel on July 17, 1956 in London. (Photo by Harry Kerr/BIPs/Getty Images)***RIGHT IMAGE***PALM SPRINGS, CA - JANUARY 07: Actor Kenneth Branagh (R) presents actress Michelle Williams (L) the Desert Palm Achievement Award onstage during The 23rd Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala at the Palm Springs Convention Center on January 7, 2012 in Palm Springs, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images For The Palm Springs International Film Festival)