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

(FILE PHOTO) In this composite image a comparison has been made between Marilyn Monroe (L) and actress Michelle Williams. 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***1962: Marilyn Monroe (Norma Jean Mortenson or Norma Jean Baker, 1926 - 1962) receives her Golden Globe award from Rock Hudson (1925 - 1985) at the Hollywood Foreign Press Association's 19th Annual Dinner on March 13, 1962. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)***RIGHT IMAGE***BEVERLY HILLS, CA - JANUARY 15: Actors Michelle Williams and Kenneth Branagh attend The Weinstein Company's 2012 Golden Globe Awards After Party held at The Beverly Hilton hotel on January 15, 2012 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Jeff Vespa/Getty Images for TWC)