OK, it's still a little too early to tell but Academy members have a soft spot for actors who play country singers of late judging by Reese Witherspoon's Best Actress win as June Carter Cash and Jeff Bridges' Best Actor win for Crazy Heart.
In case you're worried that Johnson took this role without any singing experience, rest easy knowing that the actor has sung in some capacity in former roles and television appearances -- like "Are You Lonesome Tonight" in The Game Plan (don't ask me how I know) and "You Send Me" on The Tonight Show.
Charley Pride made the Country Music Hall of Fame, won a Grammy, sold over 70 million records in his lifetime and overcame personal struggles with manic depression and prejudices in the country industry. Randy Jackson will also help produce the biopic.
Take a look at Pride singing his '70s hit "Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'" and decide whether you can picture Johnson in the role in the comment section below.