‘Out Of Africa’ 7, ‘purple’ Nothing (Press, 26 March 1986)

At the Fifty-eighth Academy Awards, held on 25 March 1986, "Out Of Africa," a film depicting Isak Dinesen’s youthful romantic struggles, emerged as the big winner, taking home seven Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director for Sydney Pollack. The ceremony also celebrated performances by William Hurt, who won Best Actor for his role as a homosexual prisoner in "Kiss Of The Spider Woman," and Geraldine Page, who finally clinched her first Oscar at the age of 61 for her portrayal of a dying widow in "The Trip To Bountiful." Page's win marked a significant moment in her career, as she had been nominated seven times prior without success. Don Ameche received the Best Supporting Actor award for his role in "Cocoon," playing a retiree rejuvenated by extraterrestrial visitors, while Anjelica Huston was recognised as Best Supporting Actress for her performance as a revengeful Mafia princess in "Prizzi's Honor." Interestingly, while Huston celebrated her win, her father, John Huston, faced disappointment by losing a chance to win alongside her. Despite receiving 11 nominations, "The Colour Purple" went home empty-handed, leading to noteworthy discussions about the Academy's controversial decision to exclude its director, Steven Spielberg, from the list of nominees. Both "Out Of Africa" and "The Colour Purple" were major competitors, but the former’s wins in categories such as Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score, Art Direction, Sound, and Cinematography highlighted its dominance. During the ceremony, heartfelt speeches captured the audience's attention. Page expressed gratitude towards her screenwriter, Horton Foote, while Ameche acknowledged the recognition received from the Academy, having never been nominated throughout his half-century career in Hollywood. Hurt dedicated his Best Actor award to the courageous individuals in Brazil involved in making his film. In the category of music, Lionel Richie’s "Say You, Say Me" from the film "White Nights" won Best Song. The Best Foreign Film award was presented to Argentina's "The Official Story," making it the first Latin American film to receive such an honour. Other notable wins included "Witness" for Original Screenplay and Film Editing, "Cocoon" for Visual Effects, and "Mask" for Makeup. Paul Newman received an honorary award for his numerous distinguished performances, remarking humourously from Chicago, where he was filming, that he hoped the award did not come in the form of a gift certificate to Forest Lawn cemetery. Additionally, the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award was awarded to Charles “Buddy” Rogers for his philanthropy, which was fitting as he was the widower of Mary Pickford, one of the Academy’s founders. The event also unfolded amid controversy, with protests occurring outside the venue concerning the portrayal of African Americans in "The Colour Purple." Despite the mixed sentiments surrounding specific films, the night was ultimately characterised by celebration, especially for "Out Of Africa," which captured the hearts of both the Academy and its audience.

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