The very English Tom Hiddleston has just been cast as country legend Hank Williams in an upcoming biopic entitled, I Saw the Light. Hiddleston, who’s best known as The Avenger’s Loki will be rerecording some of William’s biggest hits for the movie, which is set to begin production in October. We can all agree that biopics, especially music ones, are usually a bit hit or miss. In most cases they either pick many award nominations or end up as a bit of an embarrassment. But curiously, country music biopics seem to fare well with both audiences, the critics and the all important Academy. If Hiddleston needs some inspiration, here’s four examples of when country music proved to be a big hit on the big screen, especially for the leading actor.

Tom HiddlestonTom Hiddleston, he's already got his cowboy hat

George Hamilton -Your Cheatin’ Heart (Hank Williams)

Hiddleston won't be the fist actor to try his hand at capturing Hank’s magic. The now perm tanned George Hamilton played the singer in a 1964 black and white biopic. Although Hamilton didn't pick up any award nominations for his role, the movie was generally well received with Hamilton earning praise for his portrayal of the troubled country legend.

More: British Actor Tom Hiddleston Cast As Iconic American Singer Hank Williams

Sissy Spacek -Coal Miner’s Daughter (Loretta Lynn)

Loretta Lynn, didn't have an easy ride to the top of Nashville. A mother at the age of 15 and a grandmother by 29, Lynn wrote about her experiences including her tempestuous relationship with husband Doolittle in her 1976 autobiography, Coal Miner's Daughter. Three years later the book was made into a movie starring Sissy Spacek as Lynn and Tommy Lee Hones as her husband. Sissy had picked up her first Academy Award nomination in 1976, for horror movie Carrie, but it would be her portrayal of Lynn that would see her take home the statue. The film itself would also earn a best picture nomitation, while costar Beverly D’Angelo, who played Patsy Cline, was recognised by the Golden Globes.

More: 10 Of The Best Musical Biopics

Jessica Lange -Sweet Dreams (Patsy Cline)

In 1985 the story of Patsy Cline was given the big screen treatment when Jessica Lange portrayed the tragic singer. Sweet Dreams would earn Lange her fourth Oscar nomination, but she would loose out on the award to Meryl Streep, who one for her performance in another biopic, Out of Africa.

Joaquin Phoenix in Walk the LineJoaquin Phoenix in Walk the Line

Joaquin Phoenix -Walk The Line (Johnny Cash)

Attempting to imitate an icon of Johnny Cash’s magnitude was never going to be easy, but luckily Joaquin Phoenix was more than up to the challenge. For his portrayal of Cash's early career, where the singer struggled with addiction and fell in love with June Carter, Joaquin was nominated for an Academy Award. Whilst Phoenix failed to take home the gold, Reese Witherspoon won for her role as June Carter also earning a BAFTA and a Golden Globe to add to her collection.