Freeman, 73, won the AcademyAwardin 2005 forbestsupporting actorforhisrole in Million DollarBaby. Othernotable film credits includeDrivingMissDaisyand The ShawshankRedemption.
If he wins this time, the 82-year-old will become the oldest ever actor to receive an Oscar, surpassing Jessica Tandy who was 80 when she was named best actress forDrivingMissDaisy.