Definition
The 51st Academy Awards was a ceremony organized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) to honor outstanding artistic and technical achievements in the film industry for the 1978 calendar year.
Overview
The ceremony took place on March 24 1979 at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, California. It was televised in the United States by ABC and was hosted by Johnny Carson, a veteran television personality who had previously hosted the Oscars in 1975 and 1978. Howard W. Koch served as the producer, and Marty Pasetta was the director of the broadcast. The event presented awards in 21 categories, including the prestigious Best Picture award, which was won by The Deer Hunter. The film also earned the most awards of the night, with a total of five Oscars, and tied for the most nominations (nine) with The Buddy Holly Story and Straight Time.
Etymology/Origin
The term “Academy Awards” derives from the name of the presenting organization, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, founded in 1927. The ordinal “51st” indicates that this ceremony was the fifty‑first iteration of the annual awards ceremony, following the 50th ceremony held in 1978 and preceding the 52nd ceremony held in 1980.
Characteristics
- Date and Venue: March 24 1979; Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Los Angeles, California.
- Host: Johnny Carson (television talk‑show host).
- Producer: Howard W. Koch; Director: Marty Pasetta.
- Broadcast Network: American Broadcasting Company (ABC).
- Major Winners:
- Best Picture: The Deer Hunter (directed by Michael Cimino).
- Best Director: Michael Cimino (The Deer Hunter).
- Best Actor: Jon Voight (Coming Home).
- Best Actress: Jane Fonda (Coming Home).
- Best Supporting Actor: Christopher Walken (The Deer Hunter).
- Best Supporting Actress: Meryl Streep (Kramer vs. Kramer).
- Most Awards: The Deer Hunter (5).
- Most Nominations: The Deer Hunter, The Buddy Holly Story, and Straight Time (each 9).
- Special Awards: The Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award was presented to Lawrence W. Katz; the Academy Honorary Award was given to John M. Stuart.
Related Topics
- Academy Awards (general history and structure).
- 50th Academy Awards (1978 ceremony).
- 52nd Academy Awards (1980 ceremony).
- Films of 1978, including The Deer Hunter, Coming Home, and Kramer vs. Kramer.
- Johnny Carson’s contributions to television and award‑show hosting.
- American Broadcasting Company (ABC) and its relationship with the Oscars.