As the 88th Anniversary of The Academy Awards took place on Sunday, a fresh group of actors and actresses were recognized with the highest honor in the industry. With many, spectacular new films and faces emerging each year, it is easy to forget the ones of the past. So, while it might be more “timely” to discuss what Jennifer Laurence’s or Cate Blanchett’s dress looked it, instead I’m going back to the basics.
No matter how incredible we believe the Academy Awards are in this day and age, it doesn’t compare to the Oscar ceremonies of old Hollywood. The glamour of old Hollywood is unmatched, and the stars are as well. The four leading ladies, which I am about to discuss, are icons. These women should be cherished and loved by our generation, rather than being disregarded as stars of a bygone era. Without these four, American Cinema would not be what it is today.
Audrey Hepburn
Audrey Hepburn is the definition of classic. She is remembered for her charming, on-screen personality as well as becoming one of the most influential style icons of her day (ever heard of a Little Black Dress?). She was nominated for 5 academy awards during her lifetime; one of her wins was for Best Actress in "Roman Holiday" (1953). Audrey Hepburn’s image has made a resurgence into in popular culture in recent years. Yet, many young people still haven’t seen any of her films! If this is you, please watch one as soon as possible. Some of her other films to check out include: "Breakfast at Tiffany's" (1961), "Charade"1(963), "My Fair Lady" (1964) and "Sabrina" (1954). Hepburn embodied a lovable, feminine, and sophisticated celebrity persona, which set the bar high for the actresses who've followed.
Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe’s popularity has continued, and arguably grown since her death. Some of her best films included, "Gentleman Prefer Blondes" (1953), "How To Marry A Millionaire" (1953), "The Seven Year Itch" (1955), and "Some Like It Hot" (1959). Monroe’s beauty and shapely figure caused her to became one of Hollywood’s first sex symbols (I mean, who hasn’t seen the photo of her white dress flying?). Monroe’s fame is a testament to Hollywood’s ability to influence social culture. Her role as a “blonde bombshell” in multiple films gave her great fame, but she was never recognized by the Academy for her work. Regardless of never winning an Oscar, Monroe still holds an important place in American Cinema.
Grace Kelly
Grace Kelly was a princess. I’m not exaggerating. She married Prince Rainer III and became the Princess of Monaco in 1956. But before her marriage and retirement from Hollywood, she was a highly sought after American actress. Her elegance and grace both on-screen and off made her a role model for young American women. She played leading roles in several of Alfred Hitchcock’s films, including "Rear Window" (1954), "Dial M for Murder" (1954), and "To Catch A Thief"(1955). She won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in The Country Girl (1954). Kelly’s sophisticated taste in fashion was highly publicized. In fact, a Hermès leather purse that she often carried became regarded as the “Kelly Bag”.
Elizabeth Taylor
Elizabeth Taylor had a long, successful Hollywood career, which began in the 1940’s. She is known for making a seamless transition from old classical Hollywood of the 1940’s and 50’s to the new age of Hollywood, the 1960’s till present. Taylor was nominated for six academy awards during her lifetime. Some of her best films include "Father of the Bride" (1950), "Butterfield 8" (1960), "Cleopatra"(1963), and "Suddenly Last Summer" (1963). I also personally recommend "Giant" (1955), where she stars alongside James Dean *sigh*. Similar to the other icons mentioned, Elizabeth Taylor’s own fashion taste and style was the focus of many American women. Elizabeth Taylor was the first actress to release her own fragrance line and extensive jewelry collection.
