It's been known to galvanize everybody from the upper echelons of Academy leadership to the vexed likes of Corey Feldman. But regardless of the politics and passions, it's ultimately the all-too-rare equalizer for folks looking to play the odds at any Oscar party: The In Memoriam montage.
In grand Movieline tradition, this year's ballot considers those actors, directors, executives and other industry professionals to whom we said goodbye over the last year. (Actually, the dates for consideration generally run from Feb. 1 of the film-qualifying year to the Jan. 31 just before the broadcast, but Academy representatives did not respond to our requests for confirmation for 2011-12, so let's assume that Whitney Houston is likelier to be shoved in late than, say, Ben Gazzara.) Clip, save and share -- and good luck!
· Will They Make It? (Choose One)
George Kuchar (+5)
Harry Morgan (+10)
Jeff Conaway (+15)
Bubba Smith (+25)
None of the above (+20)
· Will Open the Montage
Polly Platt (+5)
Cliff Robertson (+10)
Bert Schneider (+20)
Michael Gough (+25)
None of the above (+15)
· Will End the Montage
Elizabeth Taylor (+5)
Sidney Lumet (+10)
Whitney Houston (+20)
Gilbert Cates (+25)
None of the above (+15)
· Will Get Montage's First Video Clip
Jane Russell (+5)
Cliff Robertson (+10)
Dolores Hope (+20)
Sidney Lumet (+25)
None of the above (+15)
· Will Get Montage's First Sound Clip
Farley Granger(+10)
Whitney Houston (+15)
Peter Falk (+20)
Betty Jane Rhodes (+25)
None of the above (+5)
· First Actor Named
Jackie Cooper (+5)
Michael Sarrazin (+10)
Farley Granger (+15)
Peter Falk (+25)
None of the above (+20)
· First Actress Named
Shelby Grant (+5)
Yvette Vickers (+10)
Phyllis Love(+15)
Jane Russell (+25)
None of the above (+20)
· First Director Named
Gary Winick (+5)
John Mackenzie (+10)
George Kuchar (+20)
Sidney Lumet (+25)
None of the above (+15)
· First Industry Executive Named
Bingham Ray (+5)
John Calley (+15)
Laura Ziskin (+25)
None of the above (+10)
· Oldest Selection
Dolores Hope, 102 (+5)
Gunnar Fischer, 100 (+10)
Louise Henry, 100 (+15)
G.D. Spradlin, 90 (+25)
None of the above (+20)
· Will Get His/Her Own Montage Elsewhere in Oscarcast
Elizabeth Taylor (+5)
Gilbert Cates (+10)
Sidney Lumet (+25)
None of the above (+15)
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