1959 Academy Awards: Winners, Nominees & Moments | Takemeback.to (2024)

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1960

The 31st Academy Awards ceremony, held on April 6, 1959, at the RKO Pantages Theatre in Hollywood, marked a significant moment in film history

Hosted by the charismatic Jerry Lewis, Bob Hope, David Niven, Tony Randall, Mort Sahl, and Laurence Olivier, the event celebrated the cinematic achievements of 1958

The night's big winner was "Gigi," which swept nine awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Vincente Minnelli

Susan Hayward's powerful performance in "I Want to Live!" earned her the Best Actress award, while David Niven took home Best Actor for "Separate Tables." This ceremony also saw Miyoshi Umeki become the first Asian performer to win an acting Oscar

Set against the backdrop of the Cold War and the rise of television, the 1959 Academy Awards reflected the changing landscape of entertainment and society in mid-20th century America.

1959 Academy Awards: Winners, Nominees & Moments | Takemeback.to (3)

Major Award Categories: Winners and Nominees

In 1959, during the 31st Academy Awards Cerimony, held on 06/04/1959 the following movies, actors, actresses and directors were awarded with the Oscar in 6 categories honoring the films released in 1959:

What movie won the Best Picture Oscar in 1959?

The Oscar for Best Movie went to Gigi, directed by Vincente Minnelli, starring Leslie Caron, Maurice Chevalier, Louis Jourdan, Hermione Gingold produced in the United States of America.

Who won the Best Director Oscar in 1959?

The Oscar for Best Director went to Gigi, directed by Vincente Minnelli, starring Leslie Caron, Maurice Chevalier, Louis Jourdan, Hermione Gingold produced in the United States of America.

Who won the Best Actor Oscar in 1959?

The Oscar for Best Actor went to Separate Tables, directed by Delbert Mann, starring Rita Hayworth, Deborah Kerr, David Niven, Burt Lancaster produced in the United States of America.

Who won the Best Actress Oscar in 1959?

The Oscar for Best Actress went to I Want to Live!, directed by Robert Wise, starring Susan Hayward, Simon Oakland, Virginia Vincent, Theodore Bikel produced in the United States of America.

Who won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar in 1959?

The Oscar for Best Supporting Actor went to The Big Country, directed by William Wyler, starring Gregory Peck, Jean Simmons, Carroll Baker, Charlton Heston produced in the United States of America.

Who won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar in 1959?

The Oscar for Best Supporting Actress went to Separate Tables, directed by Delbert Mann, starring Rita Hayworth, Deborah Kerr, David Niven, Burt Lancaster produced in the United States of America.

1959 Academy Awards: Winners, Nominees & Moments | Takemeback.to (4)

Memorable Moments and Trivia

  • David Niven's famous quip when a streaker ran across the stage: "Isn't it fascinating to think that probably the only laugh that man will ever get in his life is by stripping off and showing his shortcomings?"
  • Susan Hayward won Best Actress for "I Want to Live!" after four previous nominations, giving an emotional speech thanking her family and colleagues.
  • "Gigi" won a record-breaking nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture, sweeping every category it was nominated in.
  • Burl Ives won Best Supporting Actor for "The Big Country," surprising many who expected Lee J. Cobb to win for "The Brothers Karamazov."
  • Ingrid Bergman presented the Best Picture award, marking her return to Hollywood after being ostracized for her affair with Roberto Rossellini.
  • Maurice Chevalier performed "Thank Heaven for Little Girls" from "Gigi," which would later become controversial due to its lyrics.
  • Miyoshi Umeki became the first Asian performer to win an acting Oscar, taking home Best Supporting Actress for "Sayonara."
  • The ceremony was hosted by Jerry Lewis, Bob Hope, David Niven, Tony Randall, Mort Sahl, and Laurence Olivier, marking the first time multiple hosts were used.

1959 Academy Awards: Winners, Nominees & Moments | Takemeback.to (5)

FAQ

  • Who was the host of the 1959 Academy Awards?
    Jerry Lewis, Bob Hope, David Niven, Tony Randall, Mort Sahl, and Laurence Olivier served as co-hosts for the 31st Academy Awards ceremony in 1959.
  • What were the biggest surprises at the 1959 Oscars?
    One of the biggest surprises was Susan Hayward winning Best Actress for 'I Want to Live!' over Elizabeth Taylor in 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof'. Another surprise was 'Gigi' winning all nine of its nominations, including Best Picture, which was unexpected given the strong competition.
  • What were the most memorable speeches at the 1959 Academy Awards?
    There were no particularly memorable speeches from the 1959 Academy Awards that have stood out in Oscar history. The ceremony was notable for its multiple hosts rather than for any specific acceptance speeches.

What happened in 1959?

Discover what the world looked like in 1959:

Discover 1959 1959 Historical Events 1959 Movies 1959 TV Series 1959 Academy Awards 1959 Books


Top 1959 Songs in USA Top 1959 Songs in UK

1959 Academy Awards: Winners, Nominees & Moments | Takemeback.to (2024)
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