DVD Corner

50 Oscar Nights Book Review

Perfect for the Oscar season.  

With the Oscars fast approaching, a new Turner Classic Movies/Running Press book titled “50 Oscar Nights” (AKA “50 Oscar Nights: Iconic Stars And Filmmakers On Their Career Defining Wins”) is out just in time for Awards season. Written by TV host, writer and Oscar enthusiast Dave Karger, the book spotlights 50 individuals (well, 52 including team wins) who have won the Golden statue over various years. Each entry is accompanied by photos and an intro by Karger followed by the winner talking about such topics as the atmosphere, the outfit, the speech, the celebration, the perspective, backstory, production stories, ceremony memories and where the Oscar statue is now. Among those talking about their wins include actors (Nicole Kidman, Halle Berry, Meryl Streep, Clint Eastwood, etc.), directors (Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola), musicians and songwriters (like Elton John and Alan Menken), writers (Cameron Crowe, Mel Brooks, and Barry Jenkins), production designers (Hannah Beachler), sound mixer (Kevin O’Connell) and documentary filmmakers (Rob Epstein). The book closes out with acknowledgments, photo credits and an index. 

As someone who watches the Oscars every year, I’ve always enjoyed watching Hollywood’s big night (as it is often called). The show is a great celebration of cinema each year and it’s always fascinating to see who will win or what will happen. Most of us will never know the experience of winning a big award like that, but this book puts you in the winner’s shoes and gives you a glimpse into that often dream-like experience.

The stories within these pages aren’t just people on cloud nine. It’s very personal to each and every person and not everyone had the grandest experience. Among the most intriguing stories here are Jane Fonda talking about what she would say, Barry Jenkins talking about the confusing win for “Moonlight,” Rita Moreno meeting Joan Crawford, the heartfelt speech by J.K. Simmons, Marlee Matlin’s VERY candid story about William Hurt, and Louis Gossett Jr.’s surprising answer on what he will do with his Oscar. 

If you love Oscars and Hollywood history, this book is simply a must read. Not only is it an insightful look behind the curtain, but it’s probably the most genuine book about the Oscars experience. 

February 10, 2024 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Book review | 50 Oscar Nights Book Review, 50 oscar Nights: Iconic Stars And Filmmakers On Their Career Defining Wins, Clint Eastwood, Dave Karger, Martin Scorsese, Meryl Streep, The Oscars, Turner Classic Movies