Oscar Nominees Before They Were Stars

Oscar Nominees Before They Were Stars

Every Oscar nominee had to start somewhere. For some, it was easier than others. Robert Downey Jr., Sean Penn and Angelina Jolie were all born into California showbiz clans; then there's the Oklahoma-born, Missouri-raised Brad Pitt, who earned money by dressing up like a chicken while looking for acting gigs.

From tiny roles in major movies to major roles in tiny movies, we look at how this year's 20 Oscar nominees got started in Hollywood. -- By Kevin Polowy