MovieChat Forums > Ben-Hur (1959) Discussion > 2 of the least deserving Acting oscars e...

2 of the least deserving Acting oscars ever?

posted 8 years ago by CalibMcBolts
12 replies | jump to latest

I love Ben-Hur, in my eyes it's an absolute masterpiece, it's easily one of the best movies ever made, it deserved every oscar it got.

Except the acting awards...

Both Heston and Griffith were 'fine' in their role, nothing special, but definitely not bad either, but they werent better than the other nominees that year, i mean for the Leading category, Jack Lemmon and Jimmy Stewart were much, MUCh better than Heston's performance, and in the supporting category, George C. Scott, Ed Wynn, and Arthur O'Connel were also MUCh better than Griffith, which i was surrised to know that he was even nominated, let alone WON his Oscar.

These are just my thoughts, dont hate me.

Favorite films of all time list
http://www.imdb.com/list/ls031708001

[–] BigRich 8 years ago

From a conspiracy point of view, these two actors won for portraying a Roman Soldier and a Jewish prince/slave.  One may say, "what does that have to do with anything?" Just saying. Some things are pre-determined and we the public are lead to believe otherwise.

_
Every person that served can be called a veteran, but not every veteran can be called a Marine.

[–] angmc43 8 years ago

Uh, one was portraying an Arab Sheik and a Jewish prince/Slave. The Roman Soldier got nominated.

[–] CalibMcBolts 8 years ago

Why would that increase their chance of winning? Because they play important figures in a religous movie?

Favorite films of all time list
http://www.imdb.com/list/ls031708001

[–] Urmelita 8 years ago

Stephen Boyd got the dirty end of the stick by getting credit as main role.
It was clear from the beginning that, if this movie would get the award for best actor in leading role, the trophy would go to Heston. If he'd been credited in a supporting role, he would have gotten that Oscar easily and well deserved.

[–] cfwente 8 years ago

That conundrum has come up many times since the supporting actor Oscars were introduced into the equation.

[–] iadorepink 8 years ago

The acting awards should have went to Anatomy of a Murder, James Stewart completely deserved best actor, He gave one of the best performance ever nominated for an oscar and maybe his best next to It's a Wonderful Life, And George C. Scott brought so much life to an old role, He fantastic an Dancer, He completely deserved it.

Heston was a terrible winner, Hugh Griffith was okay, But nothing too special.

[–] zhu_bernard 8 years ago

I hate to agree but it's true. Stewart deserved more than Heston. Somehow I'm impressed by Harriett's sensuality, how did she missed a nod?

[–] merryapril 8 years ago

I guess it's just a matter of taste, CalibMcBolts.

While I also love the films Anatomy of a Murder and Some Like It Hot, I wonder if the acting Oscars were perhaps awarded to Ben-Hur in those two categories in part because it's such an epic film? Still, I have to agree with the academy's choices: IMO Charleton Heston was surprisingly excellent in the challenging role (plus, it's not an easy task to basically carry a 3-hour plus film) and while Hugh Griffith may have torn up the scenery (as usual), there's no doubt he created a memorable character. For some reason whenever I watch the film, I always make sure I don't miss the part when he says, "Bravely spoken". Don't ask me why.

Arthur O'Connell is a favorite of mine and I especially loved him in Picnic. And I agree that Jack Lemmon was terrific. But I think there must've been some divine influence that year...

[–] iadorepink 8 years ago

I sure think James Stewart was fare better than Heston, James Stewart also has a challenging part in Anatomy of a Murder, The reason Stewart is the best of the year though is because of how brilliant, entertaining, funny, effective he is in this role. Paul Biegler really could have been a lackluster role in lesser hands but Stewart shows what how an old pro can truly bring the absolute best out of a role. Heston have an okay performance but not compared to Stewart's flawless performance, Maybe Heston was 2nd best.

[–] James_Byrne 7 years ago

Heston fully deserved his Oscar, he was magnificent in a really tough role.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhSPcAyCgwE

[–] angelosdaughter (158) 5 years ago

Heston played himself in every role he acted, something like John Wayne.

[–] trevorh321 (5495) 3 years ago

Griffith is a surprise because I didn't think it was an Oscar worthy performance.
Heston's is very well deserved.