In 1936, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences began to recognize accomplishments in film for actors in a supporting role. The first winner that year was Walter Brennan for his performance in the film Come and Get It. Brennan went on to win this award twice more, giving a record three all-time wins in this category. In fact, his three wins are tied for the most by any actor in either the Best Actor and/or Best Supporting Actor categories. The only other actor with 3 Oscar statuettes is Jack Nicholoson, who won two Best Actor awards, and added a Supporting Actor win for 1983's Terms of Endearment. Only once in the history of this award has an actor won in consecutive years: Jason Robards was recognized for his work in 1976's All the President's Men, and 1977's Julia. As for the distinction of having been nominated for this award the most times without ever winning it, that belongs to two men: both Claude Rains and Arthur Kennedy were nominated 4 times without taking home the trophy. Robert DeNiro's 1974 win for The Godfather Part II is unique because it is the only time an actor has won for playing a character that previously won an Oscar. Two years earlier, Marlon Brando won a Best Actor award for the Vito Corleone character (DeNiro's portrayal was of the young Vito in flashbacks). In the most recent award ceremony, the 2007 winner was Javier Bardem for his gripping portrayal of Anton Chigurh in No Country for Old Men.

1. 1st winner: Walter Brennan in 1936
2. Jason Robards is the only consecutive winner of this award
3. Oldest Winner: George Burns at age 80 in 1975
4. Youngest Winner: Timothy Hutton at age 20 in 1980