1940 Academy Awards: Oscar Winners, Nominees and Highlights
The 12th Academy Awards, held on February 29, 1940, at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, marked a significant moment in Hollywood history
Hosted by Bob Hope for the first time, the ceremony celebrated the outstanding films of 1939, often considered one of cinema's greatest years
"Gone with the Wind" dominated the evening, winning eight competitive awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Victor Fleming
Hattie McDaniel made history as the first African American to win an Oscar, receiving Best Supporting Actress for her role in the same film
The cultural context of the time was shaped by the looming threat of World War II, which had already begun in Europe
Despite the global tension, the ceremony maintained its glamour and prestige, showcasing the enduring power of cinema to captivate audiences during challenging times.
Major Award Categories: Winners and Nominees
In 1940, during the 12th Academy Awards Cerimony, held on 29/02/1940 the following movies, actors, actresses and directors were awarded with the Oscar in 5 categories honoring the films released in 1940:
What movie won the Best Picture Oscar in 1940?
Who won the Best Director Oscar in 1940?
Who won the Best Actor Oscar in 1940?
Who won the Best Actress Oscar in 1940?
Who won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar in 1940?
Memorable Moments and Trivia
- Hattie McDaniel became the first African American to win an Oscar, receiving Best Supporting Actress for "Gone with the Wind." She was seated at a segregated table during the ceremony.
- "Gone with the Wind" won eight competitive awards, including Best Picture, setting a record at the time.
- Vivien Leigh won Best Actress for her role as Scarlett O'Hara in "Gone with the Wind," beating out strong contenders like Bette Davis.
- Robert Donat's Best Actor win for "Goodbye, Mr. Chips" was considered an upset, as many expected Clark Gable to win for "Gone with the Wind."
- The ceremony was held at the Coconut Grove nightclub of The Ambassador Hotel, marking a shift to a more glamorous venue.
- This was the first year that the winners were kept secret until the envelopes were opened, adding suspense to the ceremony.
- Walt Disney received a special award for "Fantasia," which included one full-size Oscar statuette and seven miniature ones, representing the film's innovative nature.
- David O. Selznick, producer of "Gone with the Wind," received the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award for his body of work.
- The Supporting Actor and Actress categories were only in their fourth year of existence at this ceremony.
FAQ
- Who was the host of the 1940 Academy Awards?
There was no official host for the 12th Academy Awards ceremony held in 1940. At that time, it was not yet a tradition to have a single host for the entire event. - What were the biggest surprises at the 1940 Oscars?
One of the biggest surprises was Hattie McDaniel winning Best Supporting Actress for 'Gone with the Wind', becoming the first African American to win an Oscar. Another surprise was the relatively poor showing of 'The Wizard of Oz', which won only two awards despite being nominated in six categories. - What were the most memorable speeches at the 1940 Academy Awards?
Unfortunately, detailed records of speeches from the 1940 Academy Awards are not readily available. The ceremony was not broadcast on radio or television, and speech transcripts were not systematically preserved. However, Hattie McDaniel's acceptance speech is often mentioned as a significant moment, though the exact words are disputed due to conflicting accounts.
What happened in 1940?
Discover what the world looked like in 1940: