In the 2002 Oscar race, no less than seven of the 20 actors (about one third) nominated in the four categories were fresh faces:
Among the five Best Actors there was one, Adrien Brody (who ended up winning);
Among the five Best Actresses, there were two, including Diane Lane
Among the Supporting Actors, there were two: Chris Copper (who won) and John C. Reilly (Chicago);
Among the Supporting Actresses, there were also two: Queen Latifah and Catherine Zeta-Jones (who won).
Democratic Group:
Three of the four winners (Adrien Brody, Chris Cooper, and Zeta-Jones) were first time nominees.