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Yes, it is truly I, Alan Smithee, the director of memorable films such as Beach Cops, Street Walkers 3, Fugitives Run, Woman Wanted, Hellraiser Bloodline, Raging Angels, Bloodsucking Pharaohs In Pittsburgh, Let's Get Harry, and the edited-for-television versions of Heat, Dune, and Rudy. As my name occupies the most ignominious artistic status in Hollywood circles, I have nothing to lose or fear in discussing the fine art of negative campaigning associated with the Academy Awards. No matter what I say or do, those studios always come back for more of that distinctive Smithee directorial genius!

To start, let's take a look back at a few of the more memorable attempts at keeping Oscars away from potential recipients. This is far from comprehensive.

1942

William Randolph Hearst was so enraged by his loose depiction in Citizen Kane that he used the full extent of his media empire to wage war against the film and Orson Welles.

Even if you haven’t watched True Blood, you’ve seen Carrie Preston before.

Carrie has the remarkable ability to transform herself – her looks and mannerisms – in each role she does. She’s been in Duplicity and My Best Friends Wedding with Julia Roberts. Doubt, Vicky Christina Barcelona and even an episode of Sex and the City that I totally remem

ber her in. She even played Ben Linus’ (her husband, the great Michael Emerson) mother on an episode of Lost! I could go on but my fingers will get tired from all the typing.

She’s currently filming season 3 of True Blood and she took some time out to talk to me about Broadway, how she prepares for a role and yes, True Blood.

So, you’re from Georgia and you got started doing plays as a kid?

Yeah, I’m one of those, like I like to say I’m a “lifer.

Lots of actors make a movie or attempt to headline a television show, fail, and then vanish into obscurity. Maybe they resign themselves to character roles or bit parts, or they say "I'm going to concentrate on my family." It's noble, but time and time again we've seen these types burst back onto the public radar courtesy of a breakthrough role in a television series or film. Below is the first part of a list of the ones we think are the best and have since had the longest lasting impact. Feel free to suggest additions.

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Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle - Neil Patrick Harris

Granted, that poster was actually for the second Harold & Kumar movie, but the fact remains: that brief cameo in the stoner flick Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle gave Neil Patrick Harris an unprecedented bounce-back. After his child-star role in Doogie Howser, M.D.