TRIVIA TIDBITS
Welcome back to Trivia Tidbits where this week I have a special Oscars trivia post just to get you in the mood for the big day on Sunday. So without further ado, let’s just dive right in…
1: According to legend, the name ‘Oscar‘ was given to the statuettes by Margaret Herrick, the Academy’s librarian. The statuette, reportedly, looked like her uncle Oscar.
2: To qualify for Best Picture, a film needs to be at least 40 minutes long, have shown at an L.A. cinema for at least a week in the previous year and have a projection resolution of 2048 x 1080 pixels.
3: Currently Jack Nicholson is the most honored male actor with 12 Oscar nominations, and 3 Oscar wins. However, one of Nicholson’s was a supporting actor for “Terms of Endearment” (1983), his best actor nods were for “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest” (1975) and “As Good As It Gets” (1997).
Daniel Day-Lewis also has 3 wins and all of those were for best actor in “My Left Foot” (1989), “There Will Be Blood” (2007) and “Lincoln” (2012).
4: Famously, Meryl Streep has accrued the most Best Actress nominations with 18 to date, that include 3 wins for “Kramer Vs Kramer” (1979), “Sophie’s Choice” (1982) and “The Iron Lady” (2011).
Although, Katharine Hepburn still holds the record for the most wins with 4. Those were for “Morning Glory” (1932-33), “Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner” (1967), “The Lion In Winter” (1968) and “On Golden Pond” (1981).
5: The ‘unluckiest’ movies since the first Oscars back in 1929 are Herbert Ross’ ballet melodrama “The Turning Point” (1978) and Steven Spielberg’s “The Color Purple” (1986). Each received 11 nods but won nothing.
6: The most successful films in Oscar history are “Ben-Hur” (1959), “Titanic” (1997) and “Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King” (2003). Each took home 11 awards – although “Return Of The King” was the only one of those to take home every award for which it was nominated.
7: The youngest Best Actor winner is Adrien Brody aged 29, for “The Pianist” (2002). The oldest is 76 year-old Henry Fonda for “On Golden Pond” (1981).
Christopher Plummer aged 82, would later become the oldest person to win an Oscar but that was for a supporting role in “Beginners” (2011).
8: Before his untimely death, actor John Cazale had appeared in only five films during his brief career and all five – “The Godfather” (1972), “The Conversation” (1974), “The Godfather: Part II” (1974), “Dog Day Afternoon” (1975) and “The Deer Hunter” (1978) were Oscar nominated.
9: The Best Director award has been shared only twice in Oscar history. Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins won for “West Side Story” (1961) and Joel and Ethan Coen shared the spoils for “No Country For Old Men” (2008).
10: Oscar voting takes place in two tranches: in the first vote, members of the Academy’s 15 branches vote on their area of expertise (e.g. DoP’s vote on Best Cinematography), making five picks in order, as well choosing a movie for Best Picture. These need a 5% share of the vote to secure a nomination. In the final round, members vote on every category with the winner arrived at via a first-past-the-post system.
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Bonus Trivia for the 2014 Awards…
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11: Though he didn’t snag a best-director nod for “Dallas Buyers Club“, French-Canadian filmmaker Jean-Marc Vallée is still an Oscar contender. He shares in the movie’s film-editing nomination under the pseudonym John Mac McMurphy.
12: If June Squibb and Bruce Dern were to win their acting nominations for “Nebraska“, they would become the oldest winners in that category. Squibb at 84 years-old would overtake Peggy Ashcroft (age 77) who won for “A Passage To India” (1984) and Dern at 77 years-old would overtake the aforementioned Henry Fonda.
13: Although competing against one another for best actor in this years awards, Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance in “The Wolf of Wall Street” actually consists of an important warming up ritual that Matthew McConaughey does in real life. The chest beating and humming that DiCaprio does in the film is actually what McConaughey performs before acting. DiCaprio witnessed him doing it once and convinced him to include it in a scene together.
14: It took 31 years since “Reds” in 1981 for another film to receive nominations in each of the four acting categories (Actor, Actress, Supporting Actor & Supporting Actress). David O.Russell achieved it last year with “Silver Linings Playbook” – (Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Robert DeNiro & Jacki Weaver) and has now made it two years in a row with “American Hustle” – (Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper & Jennifer Lawrence).
So there you have it. 10 esoteric Oscar Tidbits to masticate on. Some you may know. Some you may not. Normal services on the trivia posts shall resume next week. If you have any thoughts, stick your donations in the comment box…
(For earlier editions of Trivia Tidbits click here.)
MARKED MOVIES 
February 28, 2014 at 11:06 am
Great trivia as always man.
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February 28, 2014 at 12:24 pm
Cheers Vinnie!
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February 28, 2014 at 11:58 am
Great job Mark.
I knew all but 11 and 13 since I’m a big Oscar buff (Can’t wait!!!)
whats your email address? I want to send you something. or write to me first and I’ll reply (rob@movierob.net)
keep up the great work!
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February 28, 2014 at 12:25 pm
Thanks Rob! All but two is quite impressive, man. Well done.
I’ve sent you an email too buddy. 🙂
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February 28, 2014 at 12:33 pm
already replies. Thanks Mark
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February 28, 2014 at 12:34 pm
Got it, man! Cheers mate!
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February 28, 2014 at 12:39 pm
Superb stuff as always here mate. I didn’t know about the stipulations a film must adhere to be nominated for best picture though. Seems harsh that a film has to play in LA to be nominated, although there’s no reason for big films not to I guess.
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February 28, 2014 at 12:42 pm
Cheers Chris! Yeah, I wasn’t aware of the LA deal myself. I was quite surprised by that too.
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February 28, 2014 at 12:50 pm
Absolutely love these things! A couple were completely new to me! One that stands out is the qualifications tidbit. It has to show for one week in an LA theater? That’s odd. What if it shows for six months in New York City but not LA? That means it’s ineligible? I knew these Academy types were strange. 😉
Oh yes, “The Color Purple”. I remember the big 0-11 it received. That’s when you wished you would have just stayed home!!!
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February 28, 2014 at 1:29 pm
Glad to hear it bro! Yeah, the qualifications one stood out for me. Somehow I don’t buy that but that’s the info I came across.
As for The Color Purple, I find that shocking. I really liked that movie. It deserved at least something. All it got was a slap in the face.
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February 28, 2014 at 1:12 pm
I always thought a film could be shown in L.A. or New York for academy consideration. I stand corrected.
Cazale really had the best batting average of any actor out there. Hard to top that.
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February 28, 2014 at 1:30 pm
You might be right Dave. That just happens to be the info that I dug up. Somehow, it doesn’t make sense though. Surely your limiting some films chances?
Yeah, Cazale, man! 100% record.
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February 28, 2014 at 1:55 pm
No Mark, you were spot on. I checked. It specifically says in L.A. County.
There’s a short documentary about Cazale entitled “I Knew It Was You” out there although I haven’t seen it.
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February 28, 2014 at 2:04 pm
Cool! Nice one Dave. It really didn’t make sense but like I say, that was the info that came to me too. Strange one really.
I’ve heard of that documentary on Cazale but I haven’t seen it either. It does sound good, though.
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February 28, 2014 at 1:25 pm
Really do love this series. 13 my favourite this time.
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February 28, 2014 at 1:32 pm
That’s always good to hear, man. I’m glad people seem to enjoy these.
Yeah, #13… You say that if DiCaprio wins, that McConaughey had a little hand in that. 😉
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February 28, 2014 at 1:34 pm
I wanted to see more of McConaughey’s character in the movie
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February 28, 2014 at 1:34 pm
Me too! I thought he was superb and really set the tone from the outset.
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February 28, 2014 at 1:25 pm
Great trivia, Mark. I can now confidently say I learned something today. 🙂
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February 28, 2014 at 1:33 pm
Haha! Glad to be of service Josh! Thanks man!
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February 28, 2014 at 2:40 pm
Some good stuff here, Mark. 🙂
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February 28, 2014 at 2:41 pm
Cheers Chris. Glad you enjoyed it, man. 🙂
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February 28, 2014 at 3:28 pm
Fun post, Mark. Interesting info–I’m surprised by the 40 minute, LA rule, like everyone else. I am excited for Sunday–I usually make a party out of it—champagne, Hors d’oeuvre, etc. Have fun watching it; I wish Her would win, but I think it’s a long shot. Cate Blanchett and Leo DiCaprio are going to win, rightly or wrongly.
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March 5, 2014 at 12:36 pm
Hey Cindy! Sorry for the late reply. Hope you enjoyed the Oscars. I couldn’t really complain with the way it worked out. Unfortunately, Leo was overlooked again but I really couldn’t see past McConaughey!
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March 5, 2014 at 1:48 pm
No worries. People are talking about you on my post today. –All of life’s riddles and The Dude. 😉
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March 5, 2014 at 2:48 pm
Ha! Sounds good! I’ll stop by a little later 😉
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February 28, 2014 at 3:35 pm
Great stuff! I am amazed that Brody is the youngest male winner at 29. Kids are hard done by – rarely nominated! And number 13 has given me a chuckle.
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March 5, 2014 at 12:38 pm
Cheers Stu! Yeah, kids rarely make the cut do they? 29 is still a bit old for being the youngest in my opinion but hey, it seems to go that way. Apologies for the late reply, man.
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February 28, 2014 at 3:35 pm
Good shit here, Muckers!!
Boat Drinks!
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March 5, 2014 at 12:38 pm
Thanks Amigo!
Boat Drinks!
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February 28, 2014 at 4:00 pm
Excited for Sunday! i did not know about the Oscars alleged name origination. Thanks, Mark!
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March 5, 2014 at 12:43 pm
Glad to be of service Nick. Hope you enjoyed the Ceremony. I reckon the awards were pretty fairly distributed. Sorry for taking so long to reply, man.
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February 28, 2014 at 4:00 pm
Hi, Mark:
Very cool note on John Cazale.
Always thought his aging as Fredo in the ‘Godfather’ trilogy is some of his best work. Especially his final confrontation with Michael. Cazale’s body language, balding head and thinning sides created a near duplicate of Brando’s Don before succumbing to a heart attack in the garden.
Would also have like to have seen Bruce Dern and Walter Matthau split a Best Actor’s Oscar for their work in ‘The Laughing Policeman’.
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March 5, 2014 at 12:45 pm
Hey Jack!
Sorry for the late reply, man.
Yeah, Cazale was something else wasn’t he? Such a shame that his career was cut short.
Nice highlight on The Laughing Policeman, I’ve still to see that. Thanks for the reminder. 🙂
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February 28, 2014 at 4:58 pm
Stunning, confusing, bewildering stuff, bud! The name “Oscar” is so bizarre, and it’s even more bizarre how it was bestowed that name lol.
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March 5, 2014 at 12:48 pm
Ha! Cheers Joseph. I’m glad these had that effect on you 😉 The name Oscar is very strange. To think this this little uncle would have had such an impact on the film business. It’s bizarre. Sorry for replying so late, man. My reception wasn’t the best.
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February 28, 2014 at 5:15 pm
Great edition, Mark! Maybe the best one yet 🙂 Awesome info. Can’t wait for the Oscars!
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March 5, 2014 at 12:48 pm
Thanks Fernando. Sorry for the late reply but I hope the Oscars went down well with you?
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March 5, 2014 at 3:51 pm
Yes! Loved the show, the best one in recent memory. And, of course, I’m thrilled about Cuarón’s win.
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March 5, 2014 at 3:55 pm
I thought you would be. It’s a deserving win. As much as I had criticisms about Gravity overall, Cauron’s work behind the camera was exceptional. I was a little disappointed my fellow Celt Fassbender lost out but I’m happy that Her took best Screenplay and that McConaughey won too.
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March 5, 2014 at 4:22 pm
I agree. Hope another Mexican can claim the prize in the future (Alejandro González Iñárritu, especially). I was rooting for The Fass as well but I’m happy for Jared Leto. I really admire him and his speech was amazing.
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March 5, 2014 at 4:27 pm
Caurón was the first Mexican is that right?
Totally agree about Leto. As much as I was rooting for Fassy, Leto was very cool and humble. His speech was great and his Q&A session afterwards was fantastic. It’s on you tube, if you haven’t seen it..
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March 5, 2014 at 4:31 pm
Yes! First Mexican and first Latin person to win the award 🙂 Making history!
Haven’t seen that, but I’ll look for it. Thanks!
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February 28, 2014 at 5:45 pm
Fun stuff Mark, lots here I didn’t know about. I didn’t know that Adrien Brody was the youngest Best Actor winner, he’s apparently GB’s BFF so maybe he could offer some acting/role choices tips to him, ahah. WOW, very cool trivia about Jean-Marc Vallée, what a multi-talented guy.
Wouldn’t it be nice if the Nebraska couple won? They both deserve it, too!
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March 5, 2014 at 12:50 pm
Thanks Ruth. Like I’ve said to everyone, my apologies for the late really here. Don’t know about Brody’s choices these days either, though. He’s made some poor decisions of late. I still think he’s got plenty more to offer though.
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March 5, 2014 at 2:54 pm
Well he’s in Grand Budapest Hotel, so hopefully he’d be doing more high profile roles again. Btw, it’s five for the fifth time Mark, hope you’ll take part! 😀
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March 5, 2014 at 3:17 pm
Yeah, Grand Budapest looks great. Haven’t seen him in many decent things of late, though. Would love for him to get back on track, though.
I’ll definitely take part in Five for the Fifth, Ruth. I’ll stop by a little later.
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February 28, 2014 at 9:55 pm
Always enjoy this feature Mark. The Turning Point – who remembers that one? 11 Oscar noms too!
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March 5, 2014 at 12:51 pm
Cheers Mark. Yeah, The Turning Point! I’d never heard of it until recently. Imagine getting 11 noms and no one remembers you? Lol.
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March 5, 2014 at 1:33 pm
Says all you need to know about the Oscars Mark.
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February 28, 2014 at 11:36 pm
Lots of good stuff, here. Some of it I knew, some others I didn’t know off the top of my head, but had heard a time or two before. A couple blew me away. Count me as another who had no clue a Best Pic nom had to show in L.A. Surely, we’re way beyond that being a relevant rule, right?
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March 5, 2014 at 12:53 pm
Hey Wendell! Sorry for replying so late. Yeah, the LA Oscar rule is a little bizarre and surly redundant now eh? Glad to hear you enjoyed the post, though. Thanks man! 🙂
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March 1, 2014 at 2:47 am
The L.A. screening rule is why Chaplin’s Limelight won the Award for best Musical Score in 1972, when the film was originally released in 1952. After Chaplin was denied re-entry to the U.S. after going to London for a Premier, the movie played in only a few theaters on the East coast. It was re-released in 1972 and played in L.A., qualifying it twenty years after it was made.
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March 5, 2014 at 12:55 pm
That’s a great piece of info, Richard. I had no idea about that one. Thanks for sharing and stopping by. Sorry for the late reply, by the way. It’s not like me.
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March 1, 2014 at 7:10 am
Nice tidbits as always sir. Crazy that Cazale only appeared in five films. Love that guy. And sort of assumed that as I saw him in a few classics, he had a big career.
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March 5, 2014 at 12:56 pm
Cheer Tim. Yeah, Cazale would have had a big career I think. The guy was great. Such a loss, but even after only five films he still makes an impression.
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March 1, 2014 at 1:57 pm
I would lose my shit if McConaughey did the chest thing right before they announced who wins Best Actor tomorrow 🙂
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March 1, 2014 at 5:01 pm
Oh my god hahah. That would be hilarious.
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March 5, 2014 at 12:57 pm
LOL. Sorry for the late reply, Sati, but now that the award has been given, I’m a little disappointed that McConaughey didn’t do the chest thing. That would have been superb!
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March 1, 2014 at 3:02 pm
A really informative and interesting trivia list Mark. I liked the fact about Adrien Brody and those films getting over 10 nominations but not wining anything.
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March 5, 2014 at 12:59 pm
Cheers Chris. Apologies for replying so late. My internet reception was shit. Yeah, 11 noms each for those films and not a one to go home with. Talk about gutting?
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March 22, 2014 at 12:35 pm
This is such a great part of your site, I thought I’d mention it here http://alexraphael.wordpress.com/2014/03/22/awards-3-in-one/
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March 22, 2014 at 4:30 pm
Thanks a lot my man! I appreciate that! 🙂
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