1971 Academy Awards: Oscar Winners, Nominees and Highlights
The 43rd Academy Awards ceremony, held on April 15, 1971, at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, was a night of historic firsts and memorable moments
Hosted by the incomparable Helen Hayes, the event celebrated the best in cinema from 1970
'Patton' emerged as the big winner, taking home seven Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actor for George C
Scott, who famously refused the award
The ceremony also saw Glenda Jackson win Best Actress for 'Women in Love' and Isaac Hayes become the first African American to win Best Original Song for 'Theme from Shaft.' Against the backdrop of the Vietnam War and growing social unrest, the 1971 Oscars reflected the changing cultural landscape, with films addressing contemporary issues gaining recognition alongside traditional Hollywood fare.
Major Award Categories: Winners and Nominees
In 1971, during the 43rd Academy Awards Cerimony, held on 15/04/1971 the following movies, actors, actresses and directors were awarded with the Oscar in 6 categories honoring the films released in 1971:
What movie won the Best Picture Oscar in 1971?
Who won the Best Director Oscar in 1971?
Who won the Best Actor Oscar in 1971?
Who won the Best Actress Oscar in 1971?
Who won the Best Supporting Actor Oscar in 1971?
Who won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar in 1971?
Memorable Moments and Trivia
- George C. Scott won Best Actor for "Patton" but famously refused to accept the award, calling the Oscars ceremony a "meat parade."
- Glenda Jackson won Best Actress for "Women in Love," but was not present at the ceremony due to filming commitments.
- Helen Hayes won Best Supporting Actress for "Airport," becoming the first person to win an Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award.
- The film "Patton" won seven awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Franklin J. Schaffner.
- Orson Welles received an Honorary Award for "superlative artistry and versatility in the creation of motion pictures."
- Isaac Hayes performed the nominated song "Theme from Shaft," which would go on to win the Oscar the following year.
- Gene Kelly hosted the ceremony solo, marking his second and final time as host.
- The documentary "Woodstock" won the award for Best Documentary Feature.
- At age 80, Lillian Gish presented the award for Best Supporting Actor, which went to John Mills for "Ryan's Daughter."
- The ceremony was postponed from its original date due to a scheduling conflict with the funeral of former FBI director J. Edgar Hoover.
FAQ
- Who was the host of the 1971 Academy Awards?
There was no single host for the 1971 Academy Awards. Instead, the ceremony featured 34 'Friends of Oscar' who served as presenters and introducers throughout the night. - What were the biggest surprises at the 1971 Oscars?
One of the biggest surprises was George C. Scott's win for Best Actor for 'Patton,' despite his public refusal of the nomination. Another surprise was the upset victory of 'Patton' for Best Picture over the favored 'M*A*S*H.' - What were the most memorable speeches at the 1971 Academy Awards?
The most memorable speech was likely Orson Welles' honorary award acceptance, where he reflected on his career and the nature of filmmaking. Another notable moment was when Lillian Gish accepted an honorary award and reminisced about the early days of cinema.
What happened in 1971?
Discover what the world looked like in 1971: