The History of Ties at the Academy Awards

The Prestige of the Academy Awards

The Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars, hold a significant place in the film industry, with a rich history dating back to 1929. These awards are considered the oldest and most prestigious in the entertainment industry, covering various acting and technical categories. Over the years, the Academy Awards ceremonies have become iconic events, often marked by historical moments and controversies.

Wallace Beery and Rosco Ates in The Champ 1931

The Oscars have been the stage for various significant moments in film history, from wins to snubs, and from scripted to unscripted moments during the ceremonies. Each year, the anticipation for the winners in different categories builds up, and while it's expected that one actor, one movie, and one director will take the Oscar home, the history of the Academy Awards reveals a few surprising ties.

The First Notable Tie at the Oscars

Before 1950, the rules of the Academy Awards allowed for ties if the results were close. This rule led to a significant tie in 1932, during the 5th Academy Awards ceremony, in the category of Best Actor. Fredric March received the Oscar for his role in the 1932 horror film 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,' but it was revealed that another nominee, Wallace Beery, had been only one vote behind March. As per the Academy's rules at that time, this meant that Beery deserved to share the Oscar with March, and he won for his role in 'The Champ.'

The Academy's rule at the time stated that if an achievement in a category came within three votes of the winner, that achievement would also receive an Oscar. This explains how Wallace Beery, despite receiving fewer votes, was awarded the Oscar for Best Actor. This rule has since been changed, and only an exact match in total votes qualifies as a tie at the Academy Awards.

Notable Ties in Oscar History

The tie between Fredric March and Wallace Beery in 1932 was the first of six ties in the history of the Academy Awards. The subsequent ties occurred in various categories, including Best Documentary (Short Subject), Best Actress, Best Documentary Feature, and Best Short Film (Live Action). Each tie marked a unique moment in Oscar history, with notable winners sharing the honor due to the close competition.

The most recent tie at the Oscars occurred in 2013 in the category of Best Sound Editing, with the teams behind 'Zero Dark Thirty' and 'Skyfall' sharing the award. While ties at the Oscars are less likely to happen now, especially in the major categories, the possibility remains, especially with strong contenders.