Octavia Spencer et al to Be Featured on ABC's BEFORE THEY WERE FAMOUS, 2/22

In a city like Hollywood that can make or break dreams, the path to fame and an Oscar nomination is not always lined with gold. As the 84th annual Academy Awards ceremony draws near, ABC News' "20/20" will air a special Oscars-themed edition of the broadcast, "Before They Were Famous," highlighting the early lives and careers of this year's nominees.

The hour features interviews with several of the nominees themselves, including George Clooney, Glenn Close, Viola Davis, Octavia Spencer, Max Von Sydow, Gary Oldman, Demien Bechir, plus Jean du Jardin and Berenice Bejo from "The Artist." Anchored by Robin Roberts, the fun, fast-paced special also brings movie lovers and celebrity watchers never-before-seen photos and recently-uncovered home video of Hollywood's hottest stars before they were up for acting's biggest prize.

With reports from "20/20's" Deborah Roberts and Chris Connelly, and "Good Morning America's" Lara Spencer, "Before They Were Famous" airs WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22 at 10:00 p.m., ET on ABC.

"Before They Were Famous" also features the surprising stories of how some of the nominees got their big breaks, with candid interviews from their former co-stars and friends - including Michelle Williams' former co-star, James Van Der Beek, Christopher Plummer's longtime friend, William Shatner, and Tracey Gold who starred opposite a young Brad Pitt on "Growing Pains." The hour also includes a tribute to the early years of Oscar's golden host, Billy Crystal, featuring an interview with Crystal's good friend, Rob Reiner.

John Green is the executive producer of "Before They Were Famous".