September 2012 Auction Ends Tuesday, September 25th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/25/2012
Oscar presented to Jane Darwell for Best Supporting Actress as Ma Joad in 1940's ''The Grapes of Wrath.'' Based on John Steinbeck's novel published just a year prior, ''The Grapes of Wrath'' is considered one of the finest motion pictures ever produced, consistently ranking among the top 25 by the American Film Institute; it was also one of the first 25 films selected for preservation by the Library of Congress. It told, through eloquent cinematography and screenwriting, the story of the Joad family, beaten down but not destroyed by the Great Depression. Along with Jane Darwell, the film took home the Best Director Oscar and was nominated in five additional categories. Jane Darwell was one of the most prolific character actresses of the Golden Age of Hollywood, with over 100 films to her credit, and was considered the film's headliner, along with Henry Fonda, in this role. Issued during the period when the traditional Oscar statue was only given to actors in leading roles, this bronze tablet-style award features the Oscar figure in relief. Beside it, the words ''Academy / of / Motion Picture / Arts & Sciences / Award of Merit / for / Outstanding / Achievement'' appear. Mounted to a black marble base, upon which a plaque is engraved: ''Presented to / Jane Darwell / In Recognition of Her Performance in / 'The Grapes of Wrath' / 1940''. Award measures 6.25'' in total height, 5.75'' across, and base measures 3.25'' deep. Weighs 3 lbs., 10 oz. Minor rubbing to the gold plating, which remains quite bright. Some tarnishing to plaque and a small chip to top of the tablet. In very good plus condition. A stunning award for one of Hollywood's greatest films.
''The Grapes of Wrath'' Academy Award -- Jane Darwell's Best Supporting Actress Oscar for the 1940 Classic
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