CIA Trackers: James Gandolfini portrays former CIA head Leon Panetta for a few memorable scenes, and just to be on the safe side, he sent a note to Panetta before the film came out: "I'm very sorry about everything. I apologize. You're like my father, so you'll find something to be angry about, but please let me know."

For months, silence. Then, as "Zero Dark Thirty" was in the throes of awards season in early January, screenwriter Mark Boal told Gandolfini, "Leon Panetta would like your phone number because he doesn't know how to get in touch with you."

The actor was surprised. "He's the head of the CIA! He can't find me? Come on, really?!"