Oscar History: Academy Award Winning Movies and Actors of 1954

A look at Oscar winners and nominees, behind the scenes on the decisions for best picture, actor, etc for 1954, On the Waterfront gets top honors.

1954

Best Picture

NOMINEES: The Caine Mutiny, The Country Girl, On the Waterfront, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Three Coins in the Fountain

THE WINNER: On the Waterfront (Columbia)

DIRECTOR: Elia Kazan

PLAYERS: Marlon Brando, Karl Malden, Lee J. Cobb, Eva Marie Saint

Best Actor

NOMINEES: Humphrey Bogart (The Caine Mutiny); Marlon Brando (On the Waterfront); Bing Crosby (The Country Girl); James Mason (A Star Is Born); Dan O'Herlihy (Adventures of Robinson Crusoe)

THE WINNER: Marlon Brando

Best Actress

NOMINEES: Dorothy Dandridge (Carmen Jones); Judy Garland (A Star Is Born); Grace Kelly (The Country Girl); Audrey Hepburn (Sabrina); Jane Wyman (Magnificent Obsession)

THE WINNER: Grace Kelly

Behind the Oscar

A race between Judy Garland and Grace Kelly, Marlon Brando and Bing Crosby. Judy was in the hospital, after the birth of her son, Joey, when she heard of her loss. Brando, a 3-time loser, was gracious and humble in his acceptance speech. He later told friends he was "sure it was going to be Bing."