1941 Academy Awards: Oscar Winners, Nominees and Highlights
The 13th Academy Awards, held on February 27, 1941, at the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, marked a significant moment in Hollywood history
Hosted by Bob Hope for the first time, the ceremony celebrated the films of 1940 against the backdrop of a world at war
'Rebecca' took home the coveted Best Picture award, making Alfred Hitchcock's American debut a resounding success
Notably, Hattie McDaniel became the first African American to win an Oscar for her supporting role in 'Gone with the Wind.' The night also saw James Stewart clinch Best Actor for 'The Philadelphia Story,' while Ginger Rogers claimed Best Actress for 'Kitty Foyle.' With Europe embroiled in conflict, the awards served as a testament to Hollywood's enduring spirit and its power to provide escapism during turbulent times.
Major Award Categories: Winners and Nominees
In 1941, during the 13th Academy Awards Cerimony, held on 27/02/1941 the following movies, actors, actresses and directors were awarded with the Oscar in 5 categories honoring the films released in 1941:
What movie won the Best Picture Oscar in 1941?
Who won the Best Director Oscar in 1941?
Who won the Best Actor Oscar in 1941?
Who won the Best Actress Oscar in 1941?
Who won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar in 1941?
Memorable Moments and Trivia
- "The Great Dictator" was nominated for five awards but won none, possibly due to its controversial subject matter mocking Adolf Hitler.
- Ginger Rogers won Best Actress for "Kitty Foyle," her only Oscar win, beating out strong contenders like Katharine Hepburn and Bette Davis.
- Jimmy Stewart won Best Actor for "The Philadelphia Story," which many considered a consolation prize for not winning the previous year for "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington."
- Walt Disney received an honorary award for "Fantasia," specifically for its innovative use of sound in animated film.
- "Rebecca" won Best Picture, marking Alfred Hitchcock's only Best Picture win, though he himself did not win Best Director.
- The ceremony was held at the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, with Bob Hope serving as the master of ceremonies for the first time.
- Jane Darwell won Best Supporting Actress for "The Grapes of Wrath" and gave a brief, emotional acceptance speech, simply saying, "This is quite a surprise. I'm mighty proud and grateful."
- Walter Brennan won his third Best Supporting Actor Oscar in five years for "The Westerner," setting a record that stood for decades.
FAQ
- Who was the host of the 1941 Academy Awards?
Bob Hope hosted the 13th Academy Awards ceremony in 1941. This was his first time hosting the Oscars, and he would go on to host the ceremony a record 19 times. - What were the biggest surprises at the 1941 Oscars?
One of the biggest surprises at the 1941 Oscars was Ginger Rogers winning Best Actress for 'Kitty Foyle' over strong contenders like Katharine Hepburn and Bette Davis. Another surprise was 'Rebecca' winning Best Picture without its director, Alfred Hitchcock, winning Best Director. - What were the most memorable speeches at the 1941 Academy Awards?
Unfortunately, detailed records of specific speeches from the 1941 Academy Awards are not readily available. The ceremony was not televised at that time, and transcripts or recordings of individual speeches were not typically preserved. As a result, it's challenging to pinpoint the most memorable speeches from this particular year.
What happened in 1941?
Discover what the world looked like in 1941: