February 2012 Auction Ends Tuesday, February 28th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/28/2012
Oscar statuette awarded to Daniel Mandell for "Film Editing" for the 1946 smash hit, "The Best Years of Our Lives." The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences presented this statue to Mandell on 13 March 1947 at the Shrine Civic Auditorium, Los Angeles. "The Best Years of Our Lives" dominated the Oscars that year winning seven awards from eight nominations. Mandell is one of only three film editors to win three academy awards, his other Oscars awarded for "The Pride of the Yankees" and "The Apartment." The editor had long time collaborations with "The Best Years of Our Lives" Oscar winning director William Wyler and celebrated filmmaker Billy Wilder. The film centers around three United States servicemen integrating back into society after coming home from World War II. Hollywood legend, Samuel Goldwyn, initiated the project after reading an article in Time Magazine about returning World War II servicemen re-adjusting to society. Classic movies, "It's a Wonderful Life" and "Brief Encounter" both missed out on the Best Picture gong to "The Best Years of Our Lives." The engraved plaque on the pedestal reads, "Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences / First Award / 1946 / To / Daniel Mandell / for Film Editing of / 'The Best Years of Our Lives'". The figure and film reel, composed of gold-plated britannium measuring 10" tall, top the pedestal, bringing the total height to 13". The pedestal's diameter measures 5". The award weighs 6 pounds. Moderate tarnishing to statuette. Overall in very good condition.
1946 Film Editing Oscar Awarded to Daniel Mandell for "The Best Years of Our Lives" -- A 1946 Smash Hit Movie
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