While we are destroying the internet since Leonardo Dicaprio, Christopher Nolan, Quentin Tarantino, etc. didn’t get an Oscar award for their performances, there are some people who have turned down Oscars (Academy Awards) for various interesting reasons. They never thought an award will make their status higher. If you see the reason (mentioned below) why George Campbell Scott rejected his Oscar award, you’ll be surprised and in my opinion, that is a great one.
The Oscars or The Academy Awards is an honour for cinema people but an award will not distinguish them with others. As of now, only 3 people have turned down Oscars and we have also given the reasons for their refusal.
People Who Have Turned Down Oscars (Academy Awards)
1. Dudley Nichols
Dudley Nichols (April 6, 1895 – January 4, 1960) was an American screenwriter.
Best Known For: The Informer (1935), Stagecoach (1939), For Whom the Bell Tolls (1943), etc.
Won Oscar For: Academy Award for Screenwriting – The Informer (1935).
Reason For Turning Down Oscar: Dudley Nichols served as president of the Screen Writers Guild in 1937 and 1938. Screen Writers Guild was on strike at the time.
2. George Campbell Scott
George Campbell Scott (October 18, 1927 – September 22, 1999) was an American stage and film actor, director, and producer.
Best Known For: Patton (1970), Dr. Strangelove (1964) and A Christmas Carol (TV Movie 1984).
Won Oscar For: Academy Award for Best Actor – Patton (1970).
Reason For Turning Down Oscar: Rejected the award on the philosophical grounds that every great dramatic performance was unique and could not be compared to others. (Interestingly, he already warned the Academy beforehand.)
George C. Scott winning Best Actor for “Patton”
3. Marlon Brando
Marlon Brando, Jr. (April 3, 1924 – July 1, 2004) was an American screen and stage actor.
Best Known For: On the Waterfront (1954), The Godfather (1972), Apocalypse Now (1979), etc.
Won Oscar For: Academy Award for Best Actor – The Godfather (1972).
Reason For Turning Down Oscar: Reasons were based on his objection to the depiction of American Indians by Hollywood and television.
Marlon Brando’s Oscar® win for “The Godfather”
Personally I love all their reasons for turning down the Oscars (Academy Awards), especially that of George Scott. Do comment below if you disagree with any of their reasons for declining the awards.
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