Every time a film directed by Clint Eastwood is nominated for the Best Picture Academy Award, a performer takes home the Best Supporting Actor Oscar. In 1992, it was Gene Hackman for “Unforgiven.” Tim Robbins took home the prize in 2003 for “Mystic River,” followed the next year by Morgan Freeman for “Million Dollar Baby.”

Eastwood’s ”Flags of Our Fathers” opens this weekend. The performer who seems to be garnering the most attention is Adam Beach (pictured left), who plays an Indian marine in the war epic. The Associated Press said Beach is being singled out. “It’s unimaginable,” Beach replied, when told of the Oscar chatter. The Vancouver Sun says of the Ottawa actor: “He wouldn’t put himself on the Oscar pedestal, but the buzz for his performance in Flags of Our Fathers could.” Rolling Stone magazine says Beach is “a lock for a supporting-Oscar nomination.” Will Beach continue the Oscar trend?

Incidentally, Eastwood could become one of the most honored directors in Academy history. Since turning to behind the camera, he has taken home two Best Director Academy Awards, for Unforgiven and Million Dollar Baby. If he wins this year, he will tie William Wyler and Frank Capra with three Oscars. Only one filmmaker has more Academy Awards for Best Director John Ford.