Unveiling the Mystery Behind Whatever Happened To Baby Jane Academy Awards - A Look Back at Hollywood's Most Controversial Night!
Whatever Happened to Baby Jane is a classic film that was released in 1962, but do you know what happened when it received Academy Awards nominations? Let me take you back to that time and tell you the story of this iconic movie and its journey to the Oscars.
Do you know that Whatever Happened To Baby Jane received five Academy Award nominations? That's right! It was nominated for Best Actress, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Sound and Best Supporting Actor. This shows how much the film was appreciated by the critics and fans alike.
But did you know that despite getting the nominations, the movie did not win any Oscars? It's true! Many people were surprised that Bette Davis did not win the Best Actress award because she gave an outstanding performance as Baby Jane Hudson.
The competition was tough that year as many legendary actresses such as Anne Bancroft, Katharine Hepburn and Lee Remick were also nominated for the same category. However, it was not just the talented actresses who gave a tough fight. The competition for other categories was equally tough.
Despite having such great nominations, Whatever Happened To Baby Jane failed miserably at the Academy Awards. Do you know why? Maybe it is because the movie was categorized as a horror film and most of the Academy members did not want to give an award to a film in this genre.
Moreover, Whatever Happened To Baby Jane was released in the same year as one of the greatest films of all time - Lawrence of Arabia. The historical epic won seven Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, and Best Original Score. Could it be that the Academy members were too overwhelmed by Lawrence of Arabia and forgot about other movies released in the same year?
Despite not winning any Academy Awards, Whatever Happened To Baby Jane is still considered a classic and has a massive fan following. People still watch it and appreciate the performances of Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. Doesn't that show the real worth of a movie?
Even though it did not win any Academy Awards, Whatever Happened To Baby Jane gave birth to a new sub-genre of psychological thrillers. It opened doors for other horror films to get recognized in the future. Do you think there would be movies like Silence of the Lambs or The Sixth Sense if Whatever Happened To Baby Jane had not been made?
In conclusion, Whatever Happened To Baby Jane may have lost its chance at the Academy Awards but its legacy is still going strong. It continues to inspire filmmakers today and is a must-watch for all movie buffs out there. So what are you waiting for? Go watch this iconic movie and decide for yourself if it deserved to win an Oscar or not!
"Whatever Happened To Baby Jane Academy Awards" ~ bbaz
The Story Behind Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?
Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? is a psychological thriller that was released in 1962. It tells the story of two aging sisters, Blanche and Jane, who used to be stars in Hollywood. Blanche, who was a famous movie actress, was crippled in a car accident caused by Jane. Jane, herself, had a career as a child star but was now forgotten. The movie delves into the twisted relationship between the two sisters as they live together in their dilapidated mansion.
Bette Davis and Joan Crawford
The movie stars Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. The two actresses had a bitter rivalry that went on for many years, making the casting choice an unusual one. Director Robert Aldrich managed to get them to star in the film together. This collaboration was seen as a risky move at the time but ended up being a great success.
Box Office and Critic Reception
The movie was a commercial success and was nominated for five Academy Awards. It was especially praised for the performances of Davis and Crawford. Despite the film's success at the box office and with critics, the two actresses didn't win any major awards for their work.
Academy Awards Nominations and Wins
Although Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? was nominated for five Academy Awards, it didn't win any. Bette Davis was nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role, but lost to Anne Bancroft for her portrayal of Annie Sullivan in The Miracle Worker. Joan Crawford wasn't nominated for her performance, which she was reportedly upset about. The movie was also nominated for Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design (Black and White), and Best Sound.
The Aftermath
Oscar Snub Controversy
The movie's lack of recognition at the Academy Awards sparked controversy. Many people believed that the snub was due to Davis and Crawford's rivalry. There were also rumors that Crawford campaigned against Davis, encouraging people to vote for Bancroft instead. However, neither actress has confirmed these reports.
Legacy of Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?
Despite not winning any major awards, Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? has left a lasting impact on pop culture. It spawned a sub-genre of movies called Psycho-Biddy, which features aging actresses in roles that explore madness and terror. The movie also inspired Netflix's popular show, Feud, which examines the infamous feud between Davis and Crawford.
Bette Davis and Joan Crawford's Careers
The movie had different effects on the careers of Davis and Crawford. For Bette Davis, it marked a comeback after several years of flops. She went on to become an icon of Hollywood and is still praised for her work in classic films. For Crawford, however, the movie marked the beginning of the end of her career. She continued to act in films but struggled to find success as she got older.
Conclusion
Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? may not have won any Academy Awards, but its impact on popular culture and Hollywood cannot be denied. It showcased the talent of Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, two actresses who continue to be remembered for their contributions to cinema. The movie's themes of obsession, manipulation, and aging are still relevant today. Ultimately, Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? is a classic film that will continue to be celebrated and studied for generations to come.
Whatever Happened To Baby Jane Academy Awards: A Comparison Blog
A Tale of Two Sisters
Introduction
Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? is a film that has become an iconic piece of cinema. Released in 1962, the movie is a psychological thriller about two sisters, Baby Jane Hudson (Bette Davis) and Blanche Hudson (Joan Crawford), both of whom are embittered former actresses. The movie was a huge success when it was released, receiving critical acclaim and several nominations at the Academy Awards.
The Nominations
In 1963, Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? was nominated for five Academy Awards:
| Category | Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| Best Actress | Bette Davis | Anne Bancroft for The Miracle Worker |
| Best Supporting Actor | Victor Buono | Ed Begley Sr. for Sweet Bird of Youth |
| Best Cinematography, Black-and-White | Ernest Haller | Eugen Schüfftan for The Hustler |
| Best Costume Design, Black-and-White | Norma Koch | Black and White |
| Best Sound | Joseph Dunningham, Robert B. Lee | The Longest Day |
The Fallout
Many people believe that Bette Davis lost the award for Best Actress due to an intense backstage rivalry between her and her co-star, Joan Crawford. In fact, it was rumored that Crawford actively campaigned against Davis during the awards season. While there is no concrete evidence to support this claim, it is clear from the way that the two actresses interacted on set that they did not have a good relationship.
The Legacy
Despite its loss at the Academy Awards, Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? has continued to be a popular and influential film. It has been cited as an inspiration for many other horror movies, and has even spawned a cult-like following among some fans. Many people consider Bette Davis' performance to be one of the greatest of her career, and the film itself remains a classic piece of Hollywood history.
My Opinion
The Awards
While it is a shame that Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? did not win any of the awards that it was nominated for, I do not necessarily think that this reflects poorly on the quality of the film itself. The Academy Awards are subjective, and what one person considers to be a masterpiece may not be the same as what another person thinks. Furthermore, just because a movie does not win an Oscar does not mean that it is not worthy of recognition and praise.
The Rivalry
The rumored rivalry between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford is certainly interesting to think about. If it is true, then it is unfortunate that two talented actresses could not put aside their differences and work together effectively. However, I do not believe that this rivalry should overshadow the impact that Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? has had on popular culture. The movie's legacy is not tied up in the backstage drama that occurred during its production.
The Legacy
Overall, I think that Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? is a film that has stood the test of time. Its exploration of sibling rivalry, jealousy, and mental illness is still relevant and thought-provoking today. Additionally, the performances of Bette Davis and Joan Crawford are both incredible, and it is easy to see why the movie was so well-received when it was first released. Despite its loss at the Academy Awards, Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? will always be remembered as a classic piece of Hollywood cinema.
Conclusion
Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? is a movie that has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. While it may not have won any Oscars, its impact on popular culture cannot be denied. Whether you are a fan of horror movies, psychological thrillers, or just great acting in general, I highly recommend giving this film a watch.
Whatever Happened To Baby Jane Academy Awards: The Notorious Oscar Battle of 1963
The Controversial Film That Shocked Hollywood
In 1962, Whatever Happened To Baby Jane took the world by storm with its twisted plotline and powerhouse performances by Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. The film tells the story of two aging sisters, both former stars in their own right, who now live together in a decrepit and haunted Hollywood mansion. Davis plays Baby Jane Hudson, a former child star whose career fizzled out, whereas Crawford plays Blanche Hudson, a former big-screen movie queen, victimized by a car accident.The buzz around the film was electric. Fans couldn't wait to see two iconic actresses in the same movie, playing riveting roles that challenged each other. However, behind the scenes, it was a different story. The legendary feud between Davis and Crawford was at full throttle, making filming a constant tug-of-war. By all accounts, they despised each other and would never speak again after filming.The Academy Awards Battle of 1963
Despite the intense rivalry between its leads, Whatever Happened To Baby Jane was a massive critical and commercial success. Upon release, it grossed over $9 million theatrically, which, in today's money, would be over $85 million. Critics responded positively to both Davis and Crawford's performances, touting them as the best of their careers.As the awards season rolled around, it became evident that both Bette Davis and Joan Crawford considered this to be their last shot at an Oscar. Crawford even went so far as to start a rumor among the Academy members that Davis had campaigned against her for previous Oscars, ruining her chances of winning (a claim that has never been substantiated).On the night of the 1963 Academy Awards, held at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, the tension between the two actresses was palpable. In the Best Actress category, both Davis and Crawford were nominated alongside Geraldine Page, Anne Bancroft, and Lee Remick.The Upset Heard Around The World
Surprisingly, none of the nominees announced to present the award were Davis or Crawford. Instead, an unknown actress named Olivia de Havilland read out the winner's name: Anne Bancroft, for The Miracle Worker. The camera panned over to Davis, who appeared shocked and devastated that she had once again missed out on an Oscar win. Crawford, on the other hand, seemed ecstatic that Davis had lost.The fallout from that night would be immense. Davis's career entered a clear decline, with few notable roles afterwards. On the other hand, Crawford went on to receive a Best Actress nomination the following year for her role in Straight Jacket.So what happened to Whatever Happened To Baby Jane?The Film's Legacy
Many film historians regard Whatever Happened To Baby Jane as one of the most important films of all time, paving the way for future horror and revenge-driven movies about women. It inspired countless imitators, including but not limited to Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte, What Ever Happened to Aunt Alice?, The Nanny, and more. The film has also been parodied extensively throughout pop culture, from TV shows like The Simpsons and Family Guy, to music videos from the likes of Lady Gaga and Marilyn Manson.However, some argue that the true power of the movie lies in the two performances by Davis and Crawford. It is a testament to their abilities as actresses that they could take such unsympathetic characters and make them relatable and even likable. Their performances continue to inspire actors today.The So-Called Feud Between Davis and Crawford
The infamous feud between the two stars has been documented extensively over the years, with many tales of animosity and spite. However, some in the industry believe that the supposed tension between the two women was largely a rumor created by the studio to drum up publicity for the film.In her later years, Joan Crawford would often speak fondly of Bette Davis and vice versa, dispelling any rumors that there was still bad blood decades after the film was made.In Conclusion
Whatever Happened To Baby Jane may have lost the Best Actress Oscar of 1963, but its legacy endures to this day. The film's themes of jealousy, revenge, and mental illness are still relevant and gripping. And while the so-called feud between Davis and Crawford might have been exaggerated, their performances remain an integral part of Hollywood history.Whatever Happened To Baby Jane Academy Awards
Whatever Happened to Baby Jane is a 1962 psychological horror film that tells the story of an aging former child star Baby Jane Hudson and her sister Blanche, who was a successful movie actress. The film was directed by Robert Aldrich, produced by Kenneth Hyman, and starred Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. The movie was adapted from the novel written by Henry Farrell.
The critically acclaimed movie was nominated for several Academy Awards, including Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, and Best Costume Design, among others. The movie's success in the awards ceremony was vital not just for the cast and crew but also for the genre it represents, as Whatever Happened to Baby Jane was one of the first horror-genre films to receive such recognition.
The film's two leading ladies, Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, were the heart and soul of the movie's success. Before their roles in Whatever Happened to Baby Jane, both actresses were considered box office gold but had experienced a career slump as they aged. The chemistry between the feuding sisters, Baby Jane and Blanche, played out masterfully by Davis and Crawford, made this movie a standout masterpiece.
Despite the anticipated rivalry on the set of Whatever Happened to Baby Jane, the two actresses delivered brilliant performances that gained them wider recognition in their careers. This film added legitimacy to the genre, thereby opening the doors for horror films to receive equal recognition at the awards.
Whatever Happened to Baby Jane received five Academy Award nominations in 1963, out of which it won one — Best Costume Design by Norma Koch. Although the movie could not win big at the Oscars, it exuded excellence in its portrayal of deep-rooted animosity between sisters, darkness, and madness.
The snubbing of the film's acting performances is one of the biggest talking points of the awards ceremony that year. Joan Crawford was not nominated for Best Actress, which surprised many critics as she delivered an equally outstanding performance compared to her co-star Bette Davis. It is widely thought that both actresses missed out on nominations due to their negative reputation in Hollywood.
Despite missing out on the big prizes, Whatever Happened to Baby Jane's cult following continued to grow over the years, keeping it in the consciousness of movie lovers worldwide. In recent years, renewed interest in the film has resulted in a teleseries adaptation for FX entitled Feud: Bette and Joan. This miniseries explores the rivalry between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford during the making of Whatever Happened to Baby Jane.
Additionally, Whatever Happened to Baby Jane is still regarded as a classic example of horror cinema, with its influence springing up throughout the industry. It undoubtedly broke barriers fifty years ago and remains relevant today. The themes of this film are evergreen, such as jealousy, competition, and getting old -- themes that age like fine wine.
To conclude, Whatever Happened to Baby Jane was a masterpiece of filmmaking, which opened doors for horror films to receive equal recognition at the Academy. The success of the film came down to the passionate and captivating performances of Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. Although the movie was snubbed in certain categories, it remains a classic and continues to spawn remakes and adaptations over the years.
Should you find yourself looking for a chilling portrayal of two sisters at odds with each other or looking to see how horror genre gained legitimacy in the eyes of Hollywood during the early 1960s, Whatever Happened to Baby Jane will undoubtedly leave you breathless.
Thank you for reading!
People Also Ask About Whatever Happened To Baby Jane Academy Awards
1. Did Whatever Happened to Baby Jane win any Academy Awards?
No, Whatever Happened to Baby Jane did not win any Academy Awards despite being nominated for five awards in 1963.
2. Who were the lead actors in Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?
The lead actors in Whatever Happened to Baby Jane were Bette Davis and Joan Crawford.
3. What was the plot of Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?
Whatever Happened to Baby Jane is a psychological horror-thriller film that tells the story of two aging sisters who used to be child stars. The sisters live together, and the story unfolds as old rivalries, jealousy, and madness take over.
4. Why was Whatever Happened to Baby Jane important for Hollywood?
In 1962, the Hollywood studio system was crumbling, and Whatever Happened to Baby Jane was one of the first movies made outside of the traditional studio system. The movie's success paved the way for other independent films, giving rise to new filmmaking trends and a new generation of filmmakers.
5. Who directed Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?
Whatever Happened to Baby Jane was directed by Robert Aldrich.