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53rd Oscars – The Academy Awards

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The Academy Awards — 53rd Oscars

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Critics Consensus

Ceremony director Norman Jewison injects some much-needed razzle-dazzle into proceedings, but the shadow of an attempted presidential assassination casts a pall over the evening that's hard to shake off.

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Critics Reviews

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Tom Shales Washington Post 04/13/2021
The tragic events in Washington a day earlier did put a shadow of gloom over an affair that had promised to be grim enough anyway -- since all but one of the year's Best Picture nominees were somber, austere films, and nothing to shout about. Go to Full Review Jerry Buck Associated Press 04/12/2021
Producer Norman Jewison effectively chose to make the night a homage to motion pictures' past, making wide use of many cherished film clips that tugged at the heart and memory. Go to Full Review Rex Reed New York Daily News 04/12/2021
Boring, chaotic, disorganized and all the bad things we've come to expect through years of experience, this overblown self-serving office party has become the ultimate horror in TV specials. Go to Full Review Clive James Observer (UK) 04/13/2021
Robert Redford and Robert De Niro, in other respects formidable men, gave speeches in which it was revealed that they both loved everyone. Henry Fonda managed to retain his dignity, but otherwise it was a mass case of cancer of the personality. Go to Full Review Bob Ross Tampa Bay Times 04/13/2021
The one-day delay turned out well. President Reagan's taped greeting -- combined with emcee Johnny Carson's assurance that the First Couple were comfortably watching -- instilled a happier mood than might otherwise have prevailed. Go to Full Review Rick Chatenever Santa Cruz Sentinel 04/12/2021
Johnny Carson had the unenviable assignment of instilling a light and humorous tone to the proceedings, and he managed the feat in excellent form. Go to Full Review Read all reviews
The Academy Awards — 53rd Oscars

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Cast & Crew

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Johnny Carson

Host

Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Mar 31, 1981 53rd Oscars Details

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The Academy Awards — 53rd Oscars

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Season Info

Network
ABC
Genre
Special Interest
Release Date
Mar 31, 1981