The little golden statuette known as Oscar is awarded to individuals within the film world in recognition of their outstanding talent and contribution to the industry. And that’s the way it should stay, says actor Kevin Spacey.
“I strongly feel that Academy Awards should belong to those who have earned them – not those who simply have the financial means to acquire them,” declared the 41-year-old actor after anonymously bidding $156,875 for an Oscar in an estate sale this week. The actor who has two Oscars of his own – a Best Actor award for American Beauty and Best Supporting Actor for The Usual Suspects – plans to return the statuette, originally presented to composer George Stoll for his score for the 1945 film Anchors Aweigh, to the Academy.
“It’s a regrettable fact that some statuettes find their way to the auction blocks,” said Academy President Frank Pierson. “It’s heartening to know that there are people like Kevin who value what the award symbolises and are willing to help them from becoming collectibles.”
Stoll’s Oscar was originally only expected to make $10,000-$20,000, but soared over the $100,000 mark as eager bidders battled for ownership. Since 1950, Academy Award winners have been asked to sign agreements stating that neither they nor their heirs will sell their awards. In rescuing Stoll’s trophy Kevin joins the ranks of Steven Spielberg and Lew Wasserman, who have saved other golden statuettes from falling into the hands of those who haven’t earned them.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
