Julie Christie and Ruby Dee could set Oscars records
If Julie Christie wins best actress at the Oscars for "Away from Her," she'll set a new record for longest gap between two wins. Next February 42 years will have passed since she claimed that same prize for "Darling," released in 1965. Currently, the record is held by Helen Hayes — 38 and a half years separated her best actress win for "The Sin of Madelon Claudet" (awards year 1931'; ceremony date Nov. 1932) and supporting actress for "Airport" (awards year 1970; ceremony date April, 1971).
If Ruby Dee, age 83, wins best supporting actress for "American Gangster," she'll become the oldest winner of an acting trophy, eclipsing Jessica Tandy who won best actress for "Driving Miss Daisy" at age 80 in 1989. She will not be the oldest nominee, however. That record was held by Gloria Stuart, 87, who was nommed in the supporting race for "Titanic" in 1997.
A Christie win will be wonderful especially for those of us boomers who remember her performance in Darling, McCabe and Ms. Miller. Always glad to see stars of yesteryear make a comeback with a stellar performance--showing them youngsters of today that at her age and a good script to work with, wonders can happen. Some Academy members may want to award her for sentimental reasons--age, years in the biz, etc. But I hope it will be for her performance alone.
Posted by: Frankie R. | December 19, 2007 at 09:28 AM
Christie will probably win and break that wonderful record. However, Ruby Dee will be lucky to even get a nomination, so the actor most likely to break the old-timer record is....Hal Holbrook, born 1 year after Mrs. Dee.
Posted by: Starbucks10172 | December 19, 2007 at 08:19 AM
Yeah but neither will win. Actress is already in HBC's hands and Supporting Actress is almost in the hands of Laura Michelle Kelly...I can dream can't i?
Posted by: AJ | December 18, 2007 at 12:31 PM