The real story behind the Oscar nominations.(The Orange County Register)

Byline: Barry Koltnow

This Oscar season did not start on the morning that nominations were announced in a dramatic pre-dawn ceremony in Beverly Hills, and it will not end on Feb. 27 when those prized gold statuettes are handed out in an even more dramatic ceremony at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood.

This Oscar season began at least two years ago, when actors were choosing their roles, and will continue long after next year's Oscars telecast is forgotten by the public.

For the movie people involved, this Oscar season will go through five distinct stages.

1. OSCAR ROLE SELECTION _ Do you think it's an accident that so many actors win Oscars for portraying boxers, drunks, historical figures, mentally challenged people or someone doomed by a tragic accident, a dreaded disease or an ironic twist of fate? Actors know exactly what kinds of roles win Oscars, and they seek them out with a vengeance.

Of course, there are other factors that contribute to winning an Oscar, such as a well-written script, a talented director and a supporting cast that does not include Steven Seagal.

2. OSCAR BUZZ _ Those early magazine covers, the widely circulated quotes from critics that tout ``Oscar-worthy performances" and the whispered rumors inside the movie industry are not a series of random accidents. They are part of a cleverly planned and well-timed marketing campaign to create Oscar buzz.