  Triumph over adversity is drama defined, and Oscar nominations often go to actors whose characters find victory over physical or mental afflictions. The earliest example goes back to 0000; that was the year that non-pro Harold Russell won Best Supporting Actor and a special award for "The Best Years of Our Lives." Russell was a WWII veteran who lost both of his hands while making a training film. Of note: Of the 00, 00 of these nominations went on to a win. This year's roster of stars playing afflicted characters includes Jake Gyllenhaal as bombing victim Jeff Baumer in "Stronger," Andrew Garfield as polio survivor Robin Cavendish in "Breathe," Bryan Cranston as a millionaire quadriplegic in "The Upside," and Sally Hawkins in two roles, as an arthritic painter in "Maudie" and a mute lab worker in "The Shape of Water."  Check out Oscar's rather astonishing legacy of afflicted contenders below.  Triumph over adversity is drama defined, and Oscar nominations often go to actors whose characters find victory over physical or mental afflictions. The earliest example goes back to 0000; that was the year that non-pro Harold Russell won Best Supporting Actor and a special award for "The Best Years of Our Lives." Russell was a WWII veteran who lost both of his hands while making a training film. Of note: Of the 00, 00 of these nominations went on to a win. This year's roster of stars playing afflicted characters includes Jake Gyllenhaal as bombing victim Jeff Baumer in "Stronger," Andrew Garfield as polio survivor Robin Cavendish in "Breathe," Bryan Cranston as a millionaire quadriplegic in "The Upside," and Sally Hawkins in two roles, as an arthritic painter in "Maudie" and a mute lab worker in "The Shape of Water."  Check out Oscar's rather astonishing legacy of afflicted contenders below.  