Amazingly, none of these legendary performers was so much as nominated for an Oscar for their histrionic ability. The only one honored by the Academy in a competitive category was Noel Coward, who was nominated for Original Screenplay and producer of the Best Picture nominee at the 1943 awards for In Which We Serve. Coward also received an honorary award for the film at the 1942 ceremony "for his outstanding production achievement." He received his nominations a year later because the film was released in Los Angeles in January of 1943, too late to be considered for the competitive 1942 awards.

Coward was also closely associated with a Best Picture winner, 1933's Cavalcade, which was based on his massive London stage production. He was not directly connected with the creation of the film, which was directed by Frank Lloyd and adapted by Reginald Berkeley, although his reputation was so great at the time that Coward's was the only name that appeared on movie poster.

Edward G. Robinson received an honorary Oscar at the 1972 awards but, sadly, he died two months before the ceremony. He was able to record an acceptance speech on tape prior to his death. The inscription read "Who achieved greatness as a player, a patron of the arts, and a dedicated citizen ... in sum, a Renaissance man. From his friends in the industry he loves."

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