Directing oneself to an Oscar nomination

[Milestones]

I heard again that Laurence Olivier is the only actor to ever direct himself to an Oscar-winning performance.

That's a little surprising. There is no shortage of big name and talented actors who have directed a great deal--perhaps the first that comes to mind is Clint Eastwood. It took a long time for Clint to get much respect as an actor, but there was "Unforgiven" and the more impressive "Million Dollar Baby." I believe Warren Beatty did it twice--acting nominations in films he directed. Woody Allen in "Annie Hall." Was Ben Affleck nominated for "Argo"?

There must be several more.

Oh, never mind on Affleck: no nom for acting or directing. The latter is a bit strange given that the film took home Best Picture.

[Blue Train]

Olivier also was nominated for Henry V and Richrd III

The rest of the others would be

Charlie Chaplin for the Circus, and The Great Dictator

Orson Welles - Citizen Kane

Kenneth Branagh - Henry V

Kevin Costner - Dances with Wolves

Roberto Benigni - Life is Beautiful

Edited March 14, 2013 by Blue Train

[Milestones]

I guess it depends on how one interprets this. Benigni did win the Oscar for Best Actor, and he did direct the film (but did not win the Oscar for Director). But wouldn't we still say he directed himself to the Academy Award?

[Blue Train]

It's exactly the same situation as Olivier in Hamlet. He won for acting and the film won Best Picture. While nominated he didn't win that year's directors award. That was John Huston for The Treasure of the Sierra Madre.

Olivier did receive a special honorary award for producing, acting, and directing Henry V. Maybe what you heard about.

Edited March 15, 2013 by Blue Train

[gmonahan]

I guess it depends on how one interprets this. Benigni did win the Oscar for Best Actor, and he did direct the film (but did not win the Oscar for Director). But wouldn't we still say he directed himself to the Academy Award?

Ian McKellen was nominated for "Gods and Monsters" that year. So was Edward Norton for "American History X." I thought both were far better than Benigni. But, he was the first since Olivier to direct himself to an Oscar.

gregmo

[Milestones]

Seems like I read Olivier was the only one attaining this clearly unusual feat (they were wrong).

Benigni may well be the all-time biggest surprise for Best Actor oscar. Who would put Olivier and Beningni in the same category???

[Blue Train]

I really think they were thinking of the Special Oscar they gave him 4 years before Hamlet.

One thing is for sure. I doubt Olivier accepted his Oscars like Beningni.

Edited March 16, 2013 by Blue Train

[Milestones]

Olivier did win for his performance in "Hamlet," and he did direct the film.

I have no doubt their acceptances were a wee bit different!