Robert Duvall Wins Best Actor: 1984 Oscars

Dolly Parton and Sylvester Stallone presenting Robert Duvall the Oscar® for Best Actor for his performance in "Tender Mercies" at the 56th Academy Awards® in 1984. Introduced by Johnny Carson.

[@basila.5044]

You did well Tom Hagen.

[@brycea.339]

Well let me tell you something my Kraut Mick friend.

[@colonelbuendias]

I admire your pictures very much

[@anantambisht4895]

Tony Stark he is no longer consilgere he is now Hollywood star, Vito coreolone would be very happy

[@nicholas4727]

Im german-irish

[@manudemarchi9070]

The family is proud of you Tom, you are promoted to Don.

[@KOHF34]

My Dad met Robert Duvall at the St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco at a breakfast once a few years ago. He said Duvall was so down to earth and kind, that he didn’t even realize he was talking to Robert until his business partner told him later on. Great actor, and he really deserved this.

[@brucewayne3602]

he wares the cowboy hat as well as anyone ever has ... but his ability can grace any role with polish

[@federicoTM]

Old school , deep soul... great Dyvak ❤ from Italy .

[@LanceUppercut78]

Duvall should have at least 2 oscars. His performance in The Apostle was one of the best I've ever seen in my life. He was robbed that year.

[@tommypetersen2540]

I am sooo glad you said that! I like Jack Nicholson as much as anyone but Duvall in the Apostle was just so much richer and emotional. ( with sentiment as well). Of all the greats of the 70s Duvall has never "sold out". He always chooses good not "commercial roles. He's not a lead actor or "character lead", just a really good actor who takes good roles regardless of stature. The fact that he mentioned "Ol Waymore" in his speech just makes me smile. For me Duvall is the American Oliver.

[@anja1627]

+Tommy Petersen true!

[@drstrangelove6558]

Yeah, should had won for Apocalypse Now & The Apostle

[@aeromundos]

The Apostle indeed a great performance and directorial work on his part.

Duvall's filmography is more impressive than any other known actor alive right now in my opinion. You have a few close talents like Pacino, Nicolson, Eastwood, De Niro, Hanks, and Hopkins, All of which are great, but I don't think they succeeded in accomplishing better performances in number.

[@StudSupreme]

He's wonderfully eloquent and clearly very intelligent. Very civil man, too. Highly likable.

[@patrickryan1515]

My impression as well.

[@matthunterrlf]

damn...Robert Duvall accepts oscar as Tom Hagen

[@talkswithhandswhisper9679]

or bull meecham

[@scorsese1]

Highly underrated actor

[@nstix2009xitsn]

Don't be ridic. You can say that of an actor who was never nominated, but not of one with six nominations. Nicholas Stix, Uncensored

[@nstix2009xitsn]

Don't be ridic. You can say that of an actor who was never nominated, but not of one with six nominations. Nicholas Stix, Uncensored

[@LesnarBuiltThePyramids]

@@nstix2009xitsn exactly how is robert duvall underrated when he Is one of the greatest actors of all time their is a 1% chance of winning an oscar and 5% chance of getting nominated this guy is not underrated

[@lynnturman8157]

Underrated? I saw somewhere that he won an oscar.

[@michaelrief4424]

Duvall isn’t underrated in My opinion. I think he’s one of the best ever Cowboy actors of all time and I’m 75 now. But he plays so many roles very well that he well deserved this award.

[@cherrymustang9526]

I know Robert Duvall is widely regarded as one of the greats but I still feel he’s an underrated legend who doesn’t get the recognition he deserves. The fact that he hasn’t been awarded yet with an AFI Life Achievement Award, Kennedy Center Honors, Cecil B. DeMille Award, and Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award is criminal.

[@guileniam]

He might be the greatest supporting actor of all time. It is criminal.

[@PANIC61513]

I met Duvall at the hotel I worked at in Fort Worth, TX. He was very quiet, but his demeanor and the few words he spoke were characterized by humbleness and generosity. His wife was just as nice. Big fan of his work.

[@Spiritwalker65]

One of the best actors, a true legend.

[@mr.decencykeepinitreal6348]

Congratulations to Robert Duvall. Hollywood legend who deserved an Oscar in 1984...

[@Eric-sn4qz]

Great honor for Robert Duvall. Classic actor. Well deserved.

[@TheChannelTV-bt8em]

Duvall was never one of my favorites, but his aging country singer stirred my soul. The moment when he goes to the window after estranged daughter Ellen Barkin leaves and sings the song he has just denied remembering is impossible to watch without feeling it right in the gut. Beautiful, flawless work, even better than Jeff Bridges' similar part in Crazy Heart. An undeniably deserved award. His voice was good enough to convincingly belong to a musical professional. And he delivers one of my favorite succinct lines: "I don't trust happiness" with a conviction that makes you understand exactly what he feels. Worth seeing over and over again.

[@janetredway6822]

I have worn out 2 DVDs - my all time favorite!

[@VtRD]

Horton Foote was a master storyteller, too.

[@artivism4068]

i had to fight back tears reading your comment about the scene .

[@CatherineSTodd]

""I don't trust happiness" with a conviction that makes you understand exactly what he feels. Worth seeing over and over again." And I just watched it again tonight, ten years later in 2023. Second or third viewing I think; it never gets old. Perfect film in every single way.

[@sirgarypeters684]

Congratulations, my Kraut-Mick friend!

[@7beers]

Thank you for dinner and a very pleasant evening.

[@millardbusey221]

Awwwww awwwwwww awwwwww

[@garyaugustus1009]

If your car could take me to the airport, Mrs. Duvall is a woman who insists on hearing good news immediately..

[@YoungFrankenstein]

why all the hate to Dolly? she's a charming, bubbly and very smart lady. She was so proud of Robert win cause of the country connection. She deserves an Oscar for her songs.

[@robertosucci1151]

What, who hates her

[@chuckselvage3157]

I don't think it's possible for anyone to hate her.

[@64fairlane305]

@@chuckselvage3157 no, only to be jelous

[@chuckselvage3157]

@@64fairlane305 go the Fairlane 64 was the Tbolt one of the best factory drag cars ever.

[@movieman1556]

Not hating her, but she should have just let Robert have his moment without her stepping up to the podium a second time.

[@euanelliott3613]

Robert Duvall is one of the best actors in Hollywood. His portrayal of a soon to be retired cop in Falling Down was outstanding. His role as Don Corleone's adopted son in The Godfather was excellent, and his role as Harry Hogg in Days Of Thunder was gritty and funny in equal measure and gave the film a welcome maturity that it needed, alongside the excellent Randy Quaid.

[@darrylwynwilliams1760]

Deservedly so as well.Robert Duvall is an acting Genuis .Legend .

[@footvideo2]

He loves the smell of academy award in the evening !

[@VtRD]

Two of the best acting performances in 20th-century film were given by Robert Duvall--Tender Mercies and The Apostle. He's one of our American Treasures.

[@beyourself2444]

He is imo the greatest male American actor. The Apostle was amazing

[@Richard-xd5op]

Tess should have won, too.

[@morrisonnewton236]

Hello I see happiness all around you, can I please share from it?

[@andymckane7271]

Tender Mercies is a wonderful movie. And Robert Duvall is superb in it as he is in every one of his movies I've ever seen. Fantastic acting from this world-class actor! Thank you, Robert Duvall (a fellow former Navy junior, I might add)!

[@TempusFugit91]

Omg, Dolly Parton is the cutest little thing EVER. You just can't help it - you have to love her^^ And how cute is her laugh?^^

[@tomdrowry]

What a great understated actor Duvall is

[@theend8951]

Robert Duvall lights up my eyes.

[@edkeaton1085]

Such a great and humble man. It was such a pleasure to see Robert Duvall win his well-deserved Academy Award for Best Actor that year for his performance in "Tender Mercies". He was nothing short of awesome and genuine in his portrayal of singer "Mac Sledge". Mr. Duvall has a wonderful singing voice as well. He should have won the same Award years later for his stunning work in "The Apostle" (1997), which he has directed.

[@BroodallyHonest]

Wow, Pacino wasn't even nominated for Scarface!

[@MorganKing95]

The movie received mixed reviews upon its release

[@TheChannelTV-bt8em]

+BroodallyHonest Gee I wonder how that could be. What could the voters possibly have been thinking? I mean, he only gave the most laughably poor, embarrassing performance of his career in that BAD movie, the so-called remake of an infinitely better 1932 classic in case any of you genXers and millennials care. Say goodbye to your li-uhl fren' Oscar.

[@TheChannelTV-bt8em]

+StrasbergProtégé "Mixed" is putting it kindly. It was panned to death and rightly so. Only audiences liked it. God knows why.

[@BroodallyHonest]

+TheChannel.TV Gee, I wonder how many people agree with you, literally nobody?

[@TheChannelTV-bt8em]

+BroodallyHonest Literally my ass. The critics hated that movie. It was only the stupid public, comprised of people like you, who made it a hit. Just like they made hits of movies like Saw and Flashdance and other such examples of brilliance. Film scholars decide what movies truly last and become classics, not people like you. All your taste is in your mouth, buddy.

[@qsprimalaccuracy9709]

You're out, Tom ...Now go get that Oscar.

[@eladia95240]

My Mom Lourdes loved Robert Duvall and so do I and all my children love also.

[@TokyoStreetReport]

Michael Caine says in his memoir that he made a deal with his wife. If he didn't win an Oscar, they would leave Hollywood and move back to England. When he heard Duvall's name, he was clapping because he knew he was going home.

[@TheChannelTV-bt8em]

+Kevin Mcgue And god he was so great in Educating Rita. One of his best. "You don't expect me to teach this shit sober, do you?"

[@lynnturman8157]

Wow. So inspirational. I hear now declare if I don't win this year's academy award for best actor, I am also moving to England.

[@davidkane6145]

@@djSmokeShow His wife could have came up with it, dumbass.

[@stefanwilkinson1536]

@@djSmokeShow You set a new standard for the ability to miss a point, lol.

[@mikew1507]

My respect for Michael Caine just went down a few notches.

[@ninjaguy1995]

one of the greatest actors who ever lived

[@stanleymowatt3829]

I love Dolly Parton

[@kaledafif7972]

stanley mowatt she’s super hot and sexy!!!!!

[@joanl5600]

Tender Mercies was one of my favorite movies of all time. Betty Buckley singing Over You made me cry! Never realized Duvall won the Oscar. Love him to this day.

[@morrisonnewton236]

Hello Joan i see happiness all around you, can I please share from it?

[@silviobritojunior.oliveira3022]

Wonderful Actor!!! Love all his films!!! Happy Birthday Mr. Duvall.

[@edkeaton7242]

I love Robert Duvall and his work in both TV and films. Such an amazing actor!

[@MMAfighter38113]

Duvall earned that. Did a great job singing as well

[@dinasztie]

Such a brilliant performance by Duvall.

[@morrisonnewton236]

Hello I see happiness all around you, can I please share from it?

[@MrRazorblade999]

Robert knew he would win.

[@WalterLiddy]

So did everyone else it looks like - two guys didn't even show up for Best Actor.

[@ealf65]

He was the only American nominated, that says enough.

[@Afiqq-of2ol]

He talks like a lawyer even in real life.

[@josterio2.071]

Did I just see Johnny Cash?

[@KalleJularbo]

Yes you did.

[@Kayte-tv2cw]

Robert Duvall, Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings were very good personal friends.

[@lahuis75]

@@Kayte-tv2cw how good is that :D !

[@jeromejackson6111]

What an incredible actor. I love you Robert Duvall.

[@TheChurchatArgyle]

Robert Duval is a national treasure.

[@BalladOfThinMan]

Duvall should have won an oscar in The Great Santini

[@CatherineSTodd]

Just watched "Tender Mercies" again tonight in 2023, and it's exactly as I remembered... this story and film never left me after seeing it years ago. What a perfect film with perfect acting and a perfect story. Even the title was perfect! Good for Robert Duvall and the whole cast & crew. Wish there were more movies like this one I could watch right now.

[@ragunannainggolan3469]

I wasnt even born omg. My favorit actor all the time.

[@tub3scr3am3r]

Tom Hagen accepts award on behalf of Robert Duvall

[@cameltoeinspector6015]

tender mercies is a great movie no doubt about it

[@JonathanBrandonBissoo]

Oh wow, Tom got an Oscar.

[@christopherjhunvallez5742]

Hagan 😄

[@andrescalvo2536]

@@christopherjhunvallez5742 hagen*

[@bobareeniobobareenio2935]

Robert Duvall is a great actor and person. I’ve seen him in interviews and it was in those interviews where his true self came through . That’s why I’m able to say he’s a decent human being .

[@austinteutsch]

The song "Over You" is a one of the finest songs ever written. And NO ONE can sing it like Betty Buckley!!!!

[@joanl5600]

Yes I totally agree. The greatest song, and She has the most fantastic voice. I will never understand why “Over You”was never put on a record by Betty Buckley. I did download it on Itunes by a Singer named Lane Brody, which was good, but nobody, nobody, nobody, sings that song like Betty Buckley!

[@BabsLongfellow]

Pure class and talent.

[@CatherineSTodd]

Love seeing all these movie greats, looking so young! Thanks for uploading!

[@morrisonnewton236]

Hello Catherine I see happiness all around you, can I please share from it?

[@masonmckenzie7816]

Dolly is heavenly

[@movieman1556]

Dolly is an egomaniac who embarrassed herself..

[@Denis-89]

Dolly is more excited over Duvall winning than Duvall himself!

[@francissookraj3202]

What a fine actor, he done so many great films, true talent. He was so good as the sympathetic, retiring cop in the wondeful Falling Down with Michael Douglas, one of my favourite movies.

[@scottmiller6495]

Excellent speech from a great talent !!!!!

[@carlhiller9659]

Duvall says calmly and unimpressed, I'm always so in awe of this event and I'm so moved.

[@JinrohDFLL]

one of the all time greats in American cinema and - despite this and many other accolades - perhaps still abit underrated. Compared to many of his famous peers he's not known to be dramatic in his performance and he lacks that larger than life persona, but the nuance and consistency in his craft is astounding. Here's wishing him a long and healthy life going forward, and hopefully, many more films to come.

[@UJ2407]

It's still shocking to see that Al Pacino even didn't get nominated for Scarface that year....

[@gurumagoo]

In my opinion, Robert Duvall is the greatest actor alive today, and Augustus McCrae, was the greatest role this man was ever cast in. He was born for it. I'm a 30 year old Marine, and I can still watch Lonesome Dove today and cry when Gus dies.

[@fitchmate2321]

Yeah! Watch the To Kill a Mockingbird clip - he looked sooooo young!

[@PTuffduty]

Robert Duvall performed a brief, pivotal role in the 1959, season 1, episode 7 original Rawhide pilot episode, "Incident at Barker Springs". This uncredited (and previously unreported) performance occurs in the last few minutes of the episode when Duvall, playing a lean young dark haired gunfighter, is shot by Brazo, and then tells him that it was Slate who killed Brazo's brother. Duvall then dies convincingly. This may be his first televised performance.

[@briannat1086]

When Mr. Duvall portrayed Gen. Robert E. Lee, the reenactors loved him. He mingled and even had meals with the reenactors. Made a huge impression of what a actor, great man, should be.

[@jazzdub4958]

It's one classic film I've still not watched, even though I'm a big Duvall film fan. I'll settle that score this year. A very well respected speech, Johnny Cash certainly thought so.

[@michaelreidperry3256]

I love this actor, movie and performance.

[@bobmorgan1762]

The most versatile actor in the industry.

[@jimwalker1064]

Duvall with the Texas bow tie. Dolly, what a loveable airhead!

[@RickBlaineOTR]

Dolly Parton was hot back then.

[@goodfella2820]

This guy has got to be one of the most underrated actors of all time. In fact if it weren't for Gary Oldman (who has 1 oscar nomination in total) I would say he is the most underrated actor alive. Easily sits alongside the top 5 actors alive with De Niro, Pacino, Nicholson, Hoffman and Hackman in my opinion. The guy should have 3 oscars; The Godfather, Apocalyse Now and Tender Mercies

[@gatewayski1]

No!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@frankmilligan6422]

Take a look at his tv executive in "Network"..a big-tittied hit" - and his noir detective opposite deNiro in "True Confessions". underrated throughout his career, but an actor's actor. And I thoroughly agree on Gary Oldman - esp. in "The Contender" which he produced but played second banana as a scunbag politician. Those in the profession know...

[@Lions4322]

And the Apostle.

[@vbacs22]

And The Judge (this year.....I don't think he gonna win that, but at least he deserves a nomination). And please, add Donald Sutherland to that underrated actor's list. He is one of the most wonderful actors of all time without a nomination. The academy is a disgrace.

[@lednails]

He is not an underrated actor, he is rightfully considered by most to be one of the best actors of all time

[@WWAHP]

Odd, no nomination for Al Pacino for his role as Tony Montana in Scarface?

[@franknberry6417]

Duvall should've won an Emmy for Lonesome Dove as well!

[@jaxs2384]

For me, He is "Consigliere Tom Hagen" for ever. Don Corleone made an offer for academy, That they couldn't Refuse it. The don did the same for Johnny Fontaine in different way, lol😂😂😂

[@karurosukorle9270]

Tom Hagen!!!! 👏👏👏

[@Adamdow95]

Robert Duvall is an actor you cannot dislike.

[@tpampouk]

duvall is surely an underrated actor,depending on his popularity!!! *sly rules!!! ** heeeeeereeee's Johnny

[@spencerhensley5495]

Tender Mercies is such a great underrated movie and I am happy the Academy finally acknowledged Duvall’s fine work. Terms of Endearment won Best Picture in 83. It deserved it but I think Tender Mercies was truly a close second. You couldn’t have gone wrong awarding either film the top prize and Duvall’s performance made it equal to the amazing quality in Terms.

[@lexkanyima2195]

But Jeff Daniels and Al Pacino are not nominated

[@HossainPanthoOfficial]

His voice damnn feels like Vito Corleone is sitting beside him

[@danielbisson8032]

another underappreciated actor

[@lincolnbreen2628]

its amazing how in a ten year period eastwood hackman hoffman redford newman nickelson and duvall were all born in the 30's and douglas deniro pacino were not long after. all legends and im sure I've missed some.

[@siddharthnaagar7028]

Dolly's exuberance is unparalleled 😂

[@markadams6678]

That's when the Oscars were worth watching

[@joanl5600]

Oh so true. I wouldn’t even turn them on today. There will never be the same again.

[@congared1]

He should have won an Emmy for best lead actor in a miniseries ,Lonesome Dove. Westerns are never given justice enough because they are usually overlooked

[@ryanlynch290]

He was AMAZING in that role.

[@netta96]

I believe Unforgiven won Best picture and clint eastwood best director. Hackman got best supporting. True grit with Jeff bridges was nominated for a bunch and John Wayne won for his portrayal of Rooster Cogburn in the first true grit.

[@congared1]

@@netta96 What does all of this you commented on have to do with Lonesome Dove? All you mentioned were in different years. Lonesome Dove was in 1989 and was a mini-series. Unforgiven was a 1992 movie . True Grit was a 1969 movie with John Wayne. All different years.

[@carloolcese1094]

great guy, he lives near my town in the country

[@tomloft2000]

Happy 90th birthday to Robert Duvall.

[@eduardowallace3524]

Turning 90 today. Happy birthday Mr.Duvall 👏🏻👏🏻

[@patrickfennell6372]

Dolly looked fantastic and still does.

[@mamabari07]

a beautiful and complete acceptance speech (in an American way)! Much to learn there..

[@SuperBarneyd]

wow! dolly i will always love you.

[@9cross]

I always assumed it was just "his turn". But this is one of the most deserved wins ever.

[@billhaywood3503]

happy birthday Robert Duvall Jan 5 2021!!

[@str0ngsergen]

thank you!

[@ReJoyce61]

He should have won for the Apostle as well. That and Apocalypse Now. The man is a legend!

[@whitealroker]

“Why” scene near the end one of the greatest acting of all time IMO.

[@whittris]

I absolutely LOVE this man!!! Best Actor of ALL-TIME!! Hands down!!!

[@denisdaly1708]

A great and considered speech. He had thought about it.

[@whitealroker]

His “Why” speech near the end of the movie is masterclass acting.

[@malpo71]

He speaks like a lawyer, not a sicilian, but a good lawyer, I think he will be consiglieri someday

[@stevealred2340]

My favorite actor

[@jasonferreira5310]

Excelente ator, mereceu o Oscar pelos inúmeros trabalhos que já realizou, sou fã deste grande ator e o cumprimento desejando muitas felicidades e que continue nos brindando com seu magnífico trabalho.Deus o abençõa.Jason Ferreira da Cunha Neto/Goiânia Goiás Central Brazil...

[@Arinisonfire]

It was one of those movie where everyone hated it when it came out and now people love it. Kind of like the Empire Strikes Back.

[@kevinzhang3313]

"Hey Boo!"

[@ivanacova1881]

Per me sarà sempre Boo 😍

[@cindyroberts3767]

Robert Duvall was Boo in To Kill A Mockingbird and fabulous from then on!

[@mariacristinaparedesojeda1809]

Bello... Gracias Robert Duvall Camina como tom....😍👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏