An Empowered Spirit Blog Post

Is it an honor just to be nominated? Not in these cases..

By Cathy Chester on February 22, 2013

 

English: Cary Grant

This week The Huffington Post published an article about boomers who haven't won an Oscar. A few I think should have won, some I'm unfamiliar with, and several I disagree with deserve one. But they are all young enough to make quality films that may lead them toward an Oscar.

As a devotee of film classics, it baffles me why some of our greatest actors, actresses, and directors never won an Academy Award.  So I thought this would be the perfect time to indulge myself by airing my dirty laundry list of those snubbed by the Academy. I am sure they all had (or have) more class than I do, so I'll say this for them.  What were you thinking, Oscar?

At least some of them received Honorary Oscars.

Cary Grant was an extraordinary comic and dramatic actor who never won an Oscar.  He was nominated only twice. Despite starring in such luminous roles as "Bringing Up Baby," "Notorious," "North by Northwest," "To Catch a Thief," and "His Girl Friday." He was voted the Second Greatest Male Star of All Time by The American Film Institute and is my all-time favorite actor. He continues to take my breath away with his unique style, sophistication, and acting abilities.  Archie Leach holds a special place in my heart.  Shame on you, Oscar.

It is remarkable to think that one of the most gifted actors of all time (not to mention that sexy voice!) never won an Oscar.  Richard Burton was nominated seven times for such movies as "Becket," "The Robe," "Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf," and "Equus" yet never brought home the coveted award.

Kirk Douglas received an Honorary Oscar in 1996 for fifty years as a creative and moral force in the film community.  He was nominated three times, including the movies "Lust for Life" and "The Bad and the Beautiful," but never won the award. (He was not nominated for my favorite Douglas film, "Spartacus," a film he produced and starred in).  He is arguably the last survivor of the "Golden Age" of Hollywood.

 

Montgomery Clift portrayed mainly a deep, brooding, and sensitive young man.  He was only 45 years old when he passed away.  If he had lived a whole life, he would have continued to tantalize us with his combination of good looks and unique acting abilities.  He was nominated for an Oscar four times in "The Search," "A Place in the Sun," "From Here to Eternity," and my personal favorite, his short yet powerful performance in "Judgement at Nuremberg."  It was Oscar-worthy for a supporting role.  Take a look and judge for yourself.

Alfred Hitchcock received the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award in recognition of his brilliant and distinctive body of work ("Psycho," "Rear Window," "Spellbound," "Notorious," "North by Northwest"). Bob Hope introduced him at the ceremony and presented by Robert Wise in the 40th Annual Academy Awards in 1968. He gave the best speech of all time, saying, "Thank you."

 

 For goodness sake, how could they pass over  Blake Edwards? BLAKE EDWARDS?? From "Operation Petticoat," "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and "Days of Wine and Roses" to all of the Pink Panther films right on down to "10" and "Victor, Victoria," Edwards deserved at least one award for the laughter, love, and honesty he shared with us.  In 2004, he received an Honorary Academy Award for his writing, directing, and producing an extraordinary body of work.

 What do you think of my list?  Is there anyone you think deserved an Academy Award but never got one?

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Author

Cathy Chester

Comments

  1. Since so much campaigning goes into the Academy Awards, and always has, I don't think they should be taken as seriously as they are. I think the lifetime achievement awards are more meaningful, because they are looking at a whole body of work, not one performance v. another.

  2. Wow, Cathy, never knew about that. It just goes to show you that greatness is often overlooked. And as the results at so many of the award shows prove, mediocrity is often rewarded. It seems that the popularity of these folks didn't seem to be hurt by the non-recognition, but we really don't know that for sure, do we?

  3. I'm also surprised to see these names, Cathy. From what I have read, the process is very political and true greatness is often not rewarded. For example, why wasn't Ben Affleck nominated for Best Actor?? That said, I love movies and will always watch the Oscars!

  4. I know some people in the industry (okay, I know one person who knows a person who knows a person), and there is so much political maneuvering that goes on with the Oscars. I think those who are truly talented make it look so easy that people don't think it's "great" acting. Great blog!

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