Academy Award Ties: A History and How They Are Resolved
Academy Award ceremonies are renowned for their prestige and the excitement they generate. However, occasional ties in the voting process can complicate the outcome. This article explores the history of ties in the Academy Awards and the procedures used to resolve them.
Frequent Ties in the Academy Awards
A tie for a nomination can happen, and it has happened six times in the history of the Academy Awards. These ties have occurred in various categories and have added an interesting twist to the otherwise prestigious events.
1931-32: Best Actor Award
The first recorded tie occurred in 1932, where the Best Actor award was split between Frederic March and Wallace Beery. Despite this, it was not an actual tie; Beery received one more vote than March. Nevertheless, the rules at the time stipulated that nominees would tie if the votes were within three of each other. This resulted in a shared victory, marking the first instance of an award being awarded to two individuals.
1949: Best Documentary Short
In 1949, the Best Documentary Short category saw two films, 'A Chance to Live' and 'So Much for So Little,' both win the accolade. This marked the second recorded tie, showcasing how close the competition can be in Hollywood.
1968: Best Actress Award
Another instance of a tie occurred in 1968, where Katharine Hepburn and Barbra Streisand both won the Best Actress award. This was an exciting moment for both actresses and highlighted the close deliberations that occur during the voting process.
1986: Best Documentary
In 1986, the Best Documentary award was given to two films: 'Artie Shaw: Time Is All You’ve Got' and 'Down and Out in America.' This third tie in the history of the Academy Awards demonstrated the high quality and competitiveness of the entries in the documentary category.
1995: Best Short Film
Another tie occurred in 1995, when 'Franz Kafka’s It’s a Wonderful Life' and 'Trevor' both won the Best Short Film award. This marked the fourth instance of a tie, emphasizing the diversity and talent present in the short film category.
2013: Best Sound Editing
The most recent instance of a tie occurred in 2013, when 'Zero Dark Thirty' and 'Skyfall' shared the Best Sound Editing award. This fifth instance further illustrates the high quality and close competition in the craft categories of the Academy Awards.
Each tie has added a unique page to the history of the Academy Awards, showcasing the close deliberations and the exceptional talent recognized by the voting members.
Resolution Procedures for Ties
When ties do occur, the Academy uses specific resolution procedures to ensure a fair and resolved outcome. Here's how these procedures work:
1. Review of Votes: After the initial counting, the results are reviewed to identify the exact number of votes each nominee received. If the numbers are sufficiently close, a tie is declared.
2. Rule Application: The Academy applies the rules that dictate in such cases. As mentioned, the rule in question during the first tie in 1932 stated that a tie would occur if the votes were within three of each other. These rules ensure the integrity of the voting process.
3. Additional Review: In cases where a tie is too close, an additional review may be conducted. This can involve further scrutiny of the results or even a recount, ensuring that no error has been made in the initial counting process.
4. Shared Award: If the tie stands and no error is found, the nominee(s) in question are awarded the prize. This shared victory adds a unique element to the accolades and is a testament to the quality of the nominees.
Conclusion
The history of ties in the Academy Awards is a testament to the quality of nominations and the competitiveness of Hollywood. Whether it be 'A Chance to Live' and 'So Much for So Little' in 1949 or 'Zero Dark Thirty' and 'Skyfall' in 2013, every tie has its own story and highlights the exceptional talent and hard work of the recipients and their teams.
The procedures for resolving ties, while specific, ensure that the recognition awarded remains fair and accurate. As the Academy Awards continue to be one of the most prestigious events in the film industry, these procedures will continue to play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the voting process.