Actors & Oscars in the 1940s

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Who were the best?

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I will be making a separate poll about the actresses that were honored during this decade...

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In the Today's Topic thread later this morning, I will be discussing the 'winners' that were included in the poll.

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At this point, Ray Milland and Walter Huston are the top vote-getters...

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I voted for Milland and Coburn.

 

I think the most undeserving one is James Stewart who is not the lead in PHILADELPHIA STORY (Cary Grant is). Obviously, Stewart's award was a consolation prize because they overlooked him for MR. SMITH the year before.

 

And I think Cagney is super in YANKEE DOODLE DANDY but it still seems second-best compared to his (literally) explosive work in WHITE HEAT, for which he was not even nominated.

 

It's been a while since I have seen A DOUBLE LIFE, but I do recall liking Colman's performance very much. But to me, Milland is worth the highest recognition because he really grew as an actor and is almost going against type as a drunk-- and he plays it so well, so naturally, so effortlessly. It really is a classic film performance for the ages.

 

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I chose Coburn because usually he tends to chew the scenery but here is much more restrained and natural. I think it's a beautiful performance. 

 

Van Heflin is very good but he is a little transparent with some of his acting tricks (he is much more seasoned and sublime in 1970's AIRPORT). 

 

Donald Crisp is wonderful and deserving-- and I think he could have won during other years, too.

[primosprimos]

At this point, Ray Milland and Walter Huston are the top vote-getters...

None of those chosen.