Academy Award Nominations

In 1982 the epic biography of one of the most famous Indian leaders, the Mahatma Gandhi, that was directed by Sir Richard Attenborough, earned 8 awards out of 11 eleven nominations. It was the first time when a British film received the largest number of awards. Although it should be mentioned, the film was financed by Columbia Studios.

The film won in the following categories: Best Actor (Ben Kingsley), Best cinematography, Best Screenplay, Best Art/Set Direction, Best Film Editing, and Best Costume Design. Sir Richard Attenborough received two Awards – for Best Picture, and Best Director.

Ben Kingsley was rewarded according to his deserts. His inimitable and excellent performing impressed on the public. Being half-Indian and half-English by origin, Ben Kingsley became the first South Asian actor to gain general acceptance at the ceremony.

Among Kingsley’s Best Actors competitors were such celebrated actors as Dustin Hoffman and Paul Newman.

The winner of Best Actress Nomination became Meryl Streep (Sophie’s Choice). It was her fourth nomination and second Oscar. The actress acted a war-wearied Polish refugee Sophie Zawistowska who went through Nazi concentration camps.

The other actresses who were nominated in the category Best Actress included: Julie Andrews (1964- Oscar winner); Sissy Spacek (1980 Oscar-winner), Debra Winger (first nomination), Jessica Lange (Supporting Actress Oscar Winner). Speaking about Supporting Actress category, it should be mentioned, that Jessica Lange became the winner for her performing as Julie in Tootsie.

As for the Best Supporting Actor category, Louis Gossett won an Oscar for his performing in the film An Officer and a Gentleman. It was a very significant award for Louis Gossett. He became the third Afro-American actor to receive an Oscar for acting. In 1939 Hattie McDaniel earned an Oscar for Gone with the Wind. In 1963 Sidney Poitier received the Best Actor Award for the film Lilies of the Field.