Frank Sinatra Wins Supporting Actor: 1954 Oscars

Mercedes McCambridge presenting Frank Sinatra with an Oscar® for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in "From Here to Eternity" - 26th Annual Academy Awards® in 1954.

[@jamesfeldman4234]

This event in Frank Sinatra's life marked what is perhaps the greatest comeback in show business history. In his illustrious career, Frank would go on to reinvent himself more times than any other artist I can think of.

[@gatewayski1]

How's that?

[@Mthomas116-t1m]

A career that spanned 6 decades? Sinatra was successful as an actor and recording artist.

[@adzisme]

The Academy Award reignited his career...he went to Vegas a few years later, and helped popularize it. The Oscar is displayed in ''Sinatra'', an Italian place inside the Wynn in Las Vegas.

[@MrWosclifton]

Thanks to Ava Gardner.

[@williamsnyder5616]

@@adzisme Sinatra's career was in the dumpster when he read Jones' book.He WANTED the part of Maggio badly, felt he could do it. He begged Harry Cohn, head of Columbia, for the part, but Cohn wanted Eli Wallach for the role. However, Wallach went to Broadway for a play. As the story goes, Ava Gardner wnet to bat for Frank. She was on location shooting "Mogambo," but she got on a plane to Hollywood where he met with Joan Perry, Cohn's wife, to put in a word for Frank. A reluctant Cohn hird Sinatra, for the platry sum of $8,000 and the rest became history.

[@melissarosepdl]

Sinatra is a legend. Always was, always will be.

[@F8Lwrld]

Amen

[@bman560]

1953, it was amazing to see how humbled he was. You rarely ever saw him again so speechless.

[@glenschunk3995]

to see him so genuinely excited, he was like a little kid. the smile & nervousness of a grade schooler winning a spelling bee! show people are a rare & special breed!

[@lilise3965]

At the time winning an Oscar was something really great and well deserved, I guess. Now it's mostly about "political correctness" and propaganda.

[@slc2466]

@@lilise3965 Agree that the "best performance" aspect of winning an Oscar seems to be fading today.

[@ciroderosa2136]

I didn't know elementary school students knew about gangsters😅

[@LPMAN02]

RIP Frank Sinatra (December 12, 1915 - May 14, 1998), aged 82 You will always be remembered as a legend.

[@goodfellabeats]

That last line about nobody asking him to sing is classic!!

[@catherineharpold9919]

I think this Oscar was well deserved. I think he also should've gotten it for The Man With the Golden Arm.

[@ekennan1]

AGREED. 100%!

[@Grace-hc6dn]

YES!!

[@bsk1460]

I agree.

[@roberthart6117]

0:46 you could just see how elated he was by the way he ran to the stage... this man is such a legend!

[@Zanderthegrape]

Fun fact: Mercedes McCambridge (the woman presenting) played the demon's voice in The Exorcist.

[@cursino1]

So what?

[@rgrndu]

Alexander Garcia-Cornelius Absolutely, positively nothing “fun” about that. 👹

[@throckmorton3705]

... and she had to sue warmer bros. to get credit for her work.

[@mirazusta2002]

Interesting, great actress, I love the movie The Exorcist

[@rainlori]

And unforgettable in "Johnny Guitar"!

[@roseatvirginia]

she seems so happy herself that hes won

[@CJODell12]

I totally agree. Frank was phenomenal in From Here to Eternity.

[@IsThisLife09]

Ah, if only the Oscar ceremony were so simple now...announce nominees, announce winner, winner accepts award, makes speech, THE END. Glad Frank won, he's one of the greats

[@lemorab1]

And if only part of that simplicity means we don't have to listen to any public service announcements or see anybody's underpants.

[@KraziiBeautii]

This aged well lol

[@handel671]

@@KraziiBeautii Keep my wife's name out of your mouth!

[@KraziiBeautii]

@@handel671 Lololol 😂

[@dobazajr]

The Academy wants to have a show so they could earn money. That's all!

[@sandya418]

"They're doing a lot of songs tonight but nobody asked me"

[@lilise3965]

😀

[@francisalbertsinatra9120]

This was the greatest career comeback of all time, and it still is!

[@HoopDeeDawg1990]

One of my favorite Oscar moments. When Mercedes Cambridge got so excited when he won it reminded me of a quote from the unauthorized bio: "Photographers were alerted, and the next day's newspapers showed pictures of girls being carried out 'in a swoon' after seeing Frank Sinatra: Twelve were hired but thirty fainted." Women just loved him!

[@lilise3965]

"Twelve were hired but thirty fainted". Great!

[@natalie3769]

The way he runs down the isle is so cute

[@CJODell12]

Come on guys, why all this hate. I've seen the movie and Frank was fantastic.

[@coololds85]

Sinatra hosted the oscar in 1963 and sang luck be a lady. I would love to see that whole show.

[@viewst321]

Me too. I just looked for it.

[@loombaron]

the girl that says whos the winner is crazy about frank, look how she look at him.

[@user-hc3di2cc4g]

So stupid

[@lilise3965]

So refreshing. Sophia Loren was just as excited when she announced Roberto Benigni's win for "Life is beautiful".

[@andreabollinger9932]

The girl wasn't a girl but the great radio and movie actress and herself Oscar winner Mercedes McCambridge. And many in Hollywood were equally overjoyed because that was Ol' Blue Eyes' amazing comeback after his epic nosedive (women, mob...). And he deserved it.

[@michaellewis2484]

This showed “old blue eyes” had pure talent. Bravo Frank.

[@hobokendago]

"If I start thanking everybody, I'll do a one reeler up here, so I better not....." Wish all winners adopted this strategy!

[@HovaNirvana]

Last name Ever, first name Greatest. Happy 100th, legend. Rest in peace.

[@annachan4705]

RIP my blue eyes, the greatest Frank

[@saintcruzin]

Sinatra was a great natural actor, when motivated. He was a great actor when he interpretated lyrics!!

[@melaniediprinzio8333]

I was hoping he would sing his speech

[@celiabennett5681]

And he could have. , magic,He was , ,

[@Jack-cn6io]

That ginnie wap is one hell of a showman, I'll tell ya!

[@ladamaperfecta7]

wow the presenter was very excited that sinatra won..lol

[@davemasterson729]

The presenter is Mercedes McCambridge, who happened to be the voice of the devil within the possessed child in the movie The Exorcist.

[@roxannesantoro7503]

@@davemasterson729 She won the year before for All the Kings Men.

[@andreabollinger9932]

The presenter, Mercedes McCambridge, won an Oscar herself for her screen debut and was nominated again later for "Giants". She had begun her career as a radio actress - Orson Welles called her "the world's greatest radio actress".

[@Paperbagman555]

I love how nobody clapped when she was reading the names out except for Sinatra :P

[@shawndavidclare294]

Coolest man that ever lived.

[@fifthbusiness1678]

Nah ... that was Dean Martin.

[@fc7alibi]

Effortless class. Wow. It helps to watch Sinatra videos just to learn to be a gentleman.

[@okamilune]

I think it is so cute how excited she is when she says that it was Sinatra, she practically couldn't finish saying it!

[@MrImiller07]

When Sinatra worked with high quality directors, such as John Frankenheimer who directed The Manchurian Candidate, or Otto Preminger, who made Man With The Golden Arm, he performed admirably. When he was less motivated, the results reflected that fact.

[@willminkorea]

He was an underrated actor.

[@MrImiller07]

Initially, let's address the comments regarding Frank Sinatra's achievement in winning an Academy Award for "From Here To Eternity": Sinatra was known as an innovative popular singer and musical film star at MGM, co-starring with Gene Kelly in On The Town, Anchors Aweigh, etc. With his role as Maggio in "Eternity" he stepped outside of his comfort zone and gave a moving portrayal of a soldier brutalized by a vindictive Sargent; he worked with a first class director-Fred Zinnemann, and superb actors at the peak of their game, i.e. Montgomery Clift, Burt Lancaster and he delivered an outstanding performance that revitalized his career. His Oscar work wasn't a fluke-he was nominated again for "The Man With The Golden Arm" in the company of Spencer Tracy and Ernest Borgnine. He also did great acting in "Some Came Running" and "The Manchurian Candidate". After his Oscar win, he entered the most productive recording period of his career at Capitol, making the "concept albums" including In The Wee Small Hours and Only The Lonely-the most impressive body of work by an American popular singer.

[@virgosun1]

What a marvelous speech he gives - humble, witty and gracious. What an Oscar race that was that year in that category. Such wonderful stuff - thank you so much!~

[@styxcreek]

Just finished the first part of James Kaplan’s Sinatra biography. An amazing read. Can’t wait to start Part 2

[@McGlasshole]

Angelo Maggio was a terrific role and somewhat of a comback for Frank, as his music career was on the downturn at the time. Frank really fit the role. From Here to Eternity had some great character roles, such as Frank playing Maggio, or the great actor Ernest Borgnine playing the role of the mean brig guard, "Fatso Judson." Tremendous movie all around, with great performances by some of the best in the business.

[@annetteathanasatos1229]

I love Frsnk Sinantra, the singer, the actor and a wonderful human being. There will never be another like him. RIP

[@annetteathanasatos1229]

Also I would like to add, in 1971 when I got married, I sent Mr. Sinatra an invitation. Well when the response card came back from him, it said Wishing you all the best. Mr. Sinatra will be unable to attend due to his busy schedule. Wow, I didn't think they would answer, but they did, even if it was a secretary that answered his mail, it was the best wedding gift I received. RIP Mr. Sinatra, your memory will always be remembered.

[@mmmbbq]

Had to watch this after reading the end of James Kaplan's fine book "The Voice".

[@styxcreek]

One of the best biographies I’ve ever read.

[@holyunderwear92]

i love how he literally runs up to get it. wonderful :)

[@Dracuslv]

So this is the turning point in his career, he looked really happy when he got it. and btw Ava Gardner got Frank the part, not the Mafia.

[@greggrimer1428]

So she put the horse's head in the bed? What an evil bitch.

[@grai]

I'm so glad Frank won that year!! It meant so much to him and he was great in From Here To Eternity It enabled him to make a comeback - so the whole world benefitted in the long run!!

[@ryanb7649]

The night (and film) that re-launched Sinatra's career.

[@JSOMERSETJSOMERSET]

eddie Albert had a big smile as Frank walked down!

[@MothGirl007]

Mercedes McCambridge, who was a fabulous actress and was in ALL THE KING'S MEN (she won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in that), GIANT, JOHNNY GUITAR, TOUCH OF EVIL, SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER, and more. She has two stars in The Hollywood Walk Of Fame, one for film and one for television.

[@jdpotc123]

she was sooo excited for him!! man i would too :) hes such a doll

[@kennedylacerda7974]

We miss you so much, Francis 😢

[@bedcrumbsmusic]

A terrific upload.

[@Grace-hc6dn]

A long way from Hoboken NJ. Amazing . RIP Frank. GOD Bless ♥️

[@elvisobsessor]

That was just adorable.

[@tragic1Kingdom]

"Um... that's a clever opening." nobody is as slick as sinatra.

[@annetteathanasatos1229]

Frank Sinantra was great in From Here To Eternity. He deserve to win, RIP Mr. Sinantra. I will always be a big fan of yours. Miss you.

[@CantorAnonimoRJ]

Sinatra was THE MAN!!!

[@debbielundberg9379]

Brill film. And the chairman of the board was brill.

[@bloofan06]

Wow, I had no idea that Eddie Albert had been nominated for Roman Holiday! That would have been so cool if he had won! That's my all-time favorite movie!

[@andreabollinger9932]

A bunch of great nominees. A then unknown Jack Palance got nominated for "Shane", as well as amazing child actor Brandon de Wilde. "Shane" happens to be my favorite movie. But they stood no chance against Sinatra.

[@Optimist117]

You can tell it was the best day of the presenters life

[@Agent77X]

These were the days Hollywood was golden and people looked up the the stars who were humble and loved by the public!

[@DEBOJU930]

A well deserve Oscar Frank ,you were fantastic as MAGGIO

[@tsump2005]

I just now watched the movie again AND YES HE DESERVED AN OSCAR!

[@HovaNirvana]

The event that effectively marked the second act of his legendary career.

[@roydon0526]

who the hell is doing all the thumbs down, Sinatra won he was the best for that year get over it, he has to be one of the best actors out there

[@fifthbusiness1678]

What a year for pictures!

[@dani9714]

God, that lady seems TOO excited,haha..Frank just adorable,handsome,what a great voice.. He's running is cute :P

[@mikeycondry1493]

Gives me chills

[@jimmyb1559]

Frankie must have made the Academy an offer they couldn’t refuse.

[@65wiseman]

I'm glad that he won. He deserved it.

[@SIRTONY]

Holding the OSCAR the firs words he says "THAT'S CLEVER OF ME" This was a BRILLIANT definition of the Core of who he was...he thanked no one...and he made a Point of saying there was a Lot of singing on the show...and no one asked him to sing...so The Studio ...the cast or crew and director and even his parents...NOTHING not a word...not a word...this truly defines the man...NOT his Talent...the talent and the CHARACTER and Virtues of a Man are defined for all time in this kind of moment...

[@lilise3965]

In spite of his 2 attempted suicides: "That's life / I can't deny it /I thought of quitting, baby/ But this heart wasn't gonna buy it".

[@catherineharpold9919]

Yes!! He was amazing in that movie!

[@coconutgrove8]

I love what he says at the begining and the end, it's just very amusing.

[@HovaNirvana]

Robert Strauss killed "Stalag 17", but I'm glad Frank took the Oscar here. He definitely deserved it.

[@HovaNirvana]

Diego Pisfil I agree with you. And I love Holden.

[@SpottyBlueSheep]

Absolutely love the little jump at 0:41 :D

[@cindygoldie2758]

Bless this was magic 💞

[@okonh0wp]

The other four nominees could have been understandably pissed that none of them got applause. Frank's so excited that he kissed that first guy, haha. It really was a good role, too. I recommend From Here to Eternity highly.

[@dorsy2]

@druxy1 She gave a quick glance at the top of the card, which was sticking out of the envelope. It was fast, but she looked.

[@eclecticentertainmentwithd9414]

ALL absolute CLASSICS in cinema!!!

[@donnieaveryfan17]

I'm not saying that he shouldn't have thanked the directors, but Frank always did it his way.

[@dcs93]

I love how don and franky have a hug n kiss; the two gene kelly prodigys

[@albertpeterson5585]

...the kid from Hoboken is back...Frank Sinatra!

[@joeybonin7691]

How grand. This guy was so good at everything he did.

[@MrImiller07]

Sinatra's winning the Oscar revived his career and led to a series of successful films including The Man with The Golden Arm [his personal favorite] The Tender Trap, Pal Joey and Some Came Running. His recording career was revived as well by his new association with Capital records, where he made the Concept albums, arguably the best of his life.

[@jamesfair4315]

I worked and stayed in the barracks at Schofield Bks, Hawaii where they filmed From Here to Eternity. But i didn't know it until 2 days before I left. But less than a month later I saw the movie for the first time while on leave on the Big Island. I was always proud that I was there, where Sinatra made his Oscar winning performance, though 40 years later. Today the barracks doesn't look anything like it due to renovations.

[@trilby5546]

And he is BACK n business.

[@Kamoblue]

I wish he would have gotten one for Man with the Golden Arm as well.

[@MilkandCookies92]

I'm really surprised someone like him was sitting way in the back lol

[@Saintnukie]

I saw the other four performances (Roman Holiday, Shane, and Stalag 17), and I must say, the only one who actually stood out from these nominees was Sinatra.

[@Jonboi713]

they used to open the envelopes and hand the open envelope to the presenters

[@kjb0410]

He's almost as good looking as this one amazing man who stole my heart. :) Love you too! Now I want to watch that movie with that one amazing man who stole my heart... someday, I hope.

[@roydon0526]

what the hell why are all these thubs down all these coments are good sinatra did a great job, this movie got sinatra back on top because alot of people hated him and he had throught problems, Sinatra worked very hard for that oscar. But he still should have got it for the man with the golden arm

[@wolfgangamadeusmozart4666]

"That's Life".

[@bexbeckyxx]

1:47 oh Frank :L such a legend!

[@Morrizzzey]

so much class...

[@PBP908]

@seppelt - The woman he kisses when he stands was his then 16 year old daughter, Nancy Sinatra. Nancy and Frank, Jr. accompanied him to the ceremonies that night. Little Tina stayed home with Big Nancy. Frank and Ava were on the rocks when this took place - she was in Spain with her bull-fighter boyfriend.

[@tonyhgv]

from here to eternity CLASSIC MOVIE...frank,cliff and burt...in my opinion the best movie all three have ever been in

[@jacbar39]

...lol...look at the competition he faced...every one is today regarded as a classic, great performance.

[@BillDFC]

I loved Frank too!

[@SD78]

Johnny Fontaine got his Oscar!

[@MrImiller07]

Sinatra read the novel by James Jones in galleys and was immediately convinced that the role of Maggio would revive his flagging career. He offered to test for the part at his own expense, when the director Zinnemann was initially unenthusiastic. Eli Wallach, who was originally cast, dropped out to do a Tennessee Williams play, and Sinatra was cast. Montgomery Clift, the star of the film, worked with Sinatra to make him a more naturalistic actor, and he received raves and won the Oscar.

[@nicki446]

what a gentleman

[@michaelmuldowney8]

Famously impatient in his personal life which transferred to his acting. Good directors recognized this and most of them ensured to use the first or second take of his scenes.

[@mendietv]

i love you and i see you in heaven. thank you

[@steve6012]

Stalag 17, From Here to Eternity and Shane all in the same year? That’s a pretty good year for movies!

[@HAL-vm3wn]

A good Make-Up for the year before, which was pretty weak

[@greeneyedsoutherngirl6468]

Sinatra forever! I wish it was like this now!

[@AdrenalineJnkyRB]

Frankie boy is that dude!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

[@tee1up785]

What a come back! Go get’em Mr Sinatra