Onna White won a Special Oscar in 1968 "for her outstanding choregraphy achievement for Oliver!" It was the only time a choreographer was honored for a specific film. White had previously choreographed the films The Music Man (1962) and Bye Bye Birdie (1963) and would go on to stage the dance numbers for 1776 (1972). Mame (1974) and Pete's Dragon (1977). She was also nominated for seven Tony Awards.

Gene Kelly, Jerome Robbins and Michael Kidd all received Special Oscars for their achievements in choreography, but White's award was the only one that specified an individual film on the inscription.