01/21/2025
One of the most touching moments in Oscar history happened on the 50th Academy Awards Night. William Holden and Barbara Stanwyck were reunited to present the Best Sound when Holden interrupted their scripted patter and seized the moment to publicly thank Stanwyck.
“Before Barbara and I present this next award, I would like to say something. Thirty-nine years ago this month, we were working on a film together called Golden Boy. It wasn’t going very well because I was going to be replaced. But due to this lovely human being and her interest, understanding, professional integrity, encouragement and above all her generosity, I’m here tonight.”
Back in 1939, Holden’s career nearly ended before it began. He was still an unknown actor when he was cast in Golden Boy. Studio execs were initially unhappy and tried to dismiss him. But Stanwyck, his co-star, insisted that he be retained and took him under her wings. She went out of her way to help him succeed, devoting her time to coaching and encouraging him. To thank her, he would send her flowers every year on the anniversary of their first day of filming the movie.
EPILOGUE:
In 1982 when the Academy finally bestowed Stanwyck an honorary Oscar, Holden had died in an accident just a few months prior. At the end of her acceptance speech, she paid him a personal tribute.
“I loved him very much, and I miss him. He always wished that I would get an Oscar. And so tonight, my golden boy, you got your wish.”