The 37th Annual Academy Awards

Apr. 5, 1965 - British acting talent dominated the 37th annual Academy Awards tonight at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium as Julie Andrews, Rex Harrison, and Peter Ustinov won three of the four acting awards.

It was Miss Andrews as best actress for her Mary Poppins, Harrison as best actor for his last and greatest re-creation of Prof. Henry Higgins in “My Fair Lady,” and Ustinov as best supporting actor for his role in “Topkapi.”

The best supporting actress award went to Russian-born actress Lila Kedrova for her role in “Zorba the Greek.”

“My Fair Lady” was voted the best picture, and it won an Oscar for its director, George Cukor. It was Cukor’s fifth nomination but his first Academy Award. 

In accepting the director award, Cukor made “a deep bow to Rex Harrison and the adorable Audrey Hepburn.”

Miss Andrews played Eliza Doolittle when “My Fair Lady” played on Broadway. She was passed over when Warner Brothers made the screen version, the role going to Miss Hepburn. But Audrey was not nominated.

Miss Hepburn came to the party, though, and was among the gracious presenters. She delightedly bestowed an Oscar on a beaming Harrison.

Miss Andrews was obviously touched. She gasped, “I know you Americans are famous for your hospitality — but this is ridiculous!”“Mary Poppins” collected 13 nominations to 12 for “My Fair Lady,” but when the race was run, it was “My Fair Lady” a winner by three lengths. “My Fair Lady” captured eight Oscars to five for “Mary Poppins.”

Bob Hope, master of ceremonies, pointed out at the beginning that this year’s show had a distinctly British flavor. 

“Welcome to Santa Monica on the Thames,” he quipped. “There’ll always be an England — even if it’s in Hollywood.”

Twelve of the 20 acting nominees were British.

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