Best-Actress 2008 Oscar:Marion Cotillard

Marion Cotillard Winner for "La Vie En Rose"
Born:September 30, 1975 in Paris, France
Biography:At once earthy and modern yet effortlessly capable of projecting the aura of a glamorous, silent-era film starlet, French actress Marion Cotillard has achieved fame in her home country with substantial roles in such high-profile blockbusters as the Taxi series, and such critically acclaimed arthouse hits as Jean-Pierre Jeunet's A Very Long Engagement.
The Paris native got in tune with her desire to become a performer early in life, and soon began honing her talents as both an actress and a singer. As fate would have it Cotillard's parents were both active members of the Paris theater community who lovingly nurtured their daughter's creative talents and encouraged her to pursue a career on the stage and screen. It was precisely this support that encouraged Cotillard to pursue a career in film, with her auspicious film debut in director

Supporting Actress 2008 Oscar:Tilda Swinton

Winner for "Michael Clayton"

Born: November 15, 1961 in Scotland, UK
Biography:Known throughout Britain for her idiosyncratic performances and long-time association with the late filmmaker "Derek Jarman", "Tilda Swinton" is nothing if not one of the more unique actresses to come along during the second half of the 20th century. Born in London on November 5, 1961, Swinton attended Cambridge University, where she received a degree in social and political sciences. While at Cambridge, she became involved in acting, performing in a number of stage productions. Following graduation, Swinton began her professional theater career, working for Edinburgh's renowned Traverse Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company.
In 1985, Swinton began her long collaboration with "Derek Jarman", both as a friend and fellow artist. She made her screen debut in his "Caravaggio" (1986) and appeared in every one of the director's films until his death from AIDS in 1994.

Best-Actor 2008 Oscar:Daniel Day-Lewis

Winner for "There Will Be Blood"
Born: April 29, 1957 in London, England, UK
Biography:An actor whose on-screen intensity is rivalled only by his off-screen intensity, "Daniel Day-Lewis" is one of the most acclaimed and least understood performers of his generation. The stories surrounding his complete immersion in his roles are legendary, from his insistence on remaining in a wheelchair between takes for "My Left Foot" to his refusal to accept manufactured cigarettes in favor of rolling his own, 18th-century style, while filming "The Last of the Mohicans".

Day-Lewis' highly cerebral approach to his work may emanate in part from his background. Born in London on April 29, 1957, he was the son of Poet Laureate Cecil Day-Lewis and actress "Jill Balcon". The influence of the cinema was particularly strong on his mother's side: she was the daughter of Sir "Michael Balcon", the one-time head of Ealing Studios. Educated at various public schools, Day-Lewis took an early interest in acting