SUPPORTING ACTRESS

CATE BLANCHETT | “I’m Not There”

The 38-year-old Australian receives her second nomination of the year, this time as supporting actress for her audacious turn as Jude, a Bob Dylan-esque singer, in Todd Haynes’ quirky biopic. Blanchett also won the Golden Globe and Chicago Film Critics Assn. awards for “I’m Not There,” as well as Screen Actors Guild, Critics’ Choice, Spirit Award and Satellite Award nominations.

RUBY DEE | “American Gangster”

At 83, the veteran of stage, screen and TV is the oldest of the acting nominees. Dee earns her first Oscar nomination as Mama Lucas, the mother of a Harlem gangster. Dee, who has been a staple in Hollywood films since 1950, is also nominated for SAG awards for supporting actress and as an ensemble member, as well as for an NAACP Image Award.

SAOIRSE RONAN | “Atonement”

The 13-year-old, whose name means “freedom” in Irish, is the recipient of her first Oscar nomination as Briony Tallis, a young girl of privilege who accuses her sister’s lover of a crime -- an action that changes the course of their lives. Ronan also received Golden Globe, British Academy of Film and Television Arts, London Critics Circle and Satellite Award nominations.

AMY RYAN | “Gone Baby Gone”

The Broadway veteran receives her first Oscar nomination as Helene McCready, a drug-dealing single mom whose daughter is kidnapped. The Queens, N.Y., native has been a critics group darling for her performance, receiving awards from the L.A. Film Critics Assn., National Board of Review and New York Film Critics Circle. Ryan, who was a regular on the HBO series “The Wire,” also received Golden Globe and SAG award nominations.

TILDA SWINTON | “Michael Clayton”

The British actress receives her first Oscar nomination as Karen Crowder, an ambitious litigator at an agro-chemical conglomerate. The 37-year-old actress also received nominations for the Golden Globe, SAG, BAFTA, Critics’ Choice, Chicago Film Critics Assn., London Critics Circle and Satellite awards.