Morgan Freeman is an acting giant, who has even played God — several times! After multiple nominations for Street Smart, Driving Miss Daisy, The Shawshank Redemption, he finally won 2004’s Best Supporting Actor Oscar for Million Dollar Baby. (He was subsequently nominated for Invictus.) I would have given it to him for Street Smart. He has also starred in three Best Picture winners: Miss Daisy, Unforgiven and Million Dollar Baby, a rare feat!

This article is part of a special year-long series of anecdotes, reflections and thoughts about the Academy Awards.