Oscar History: The Evolution of Acceptance of Openly Queer Actors

by Eurocheese

Stewart and DeBose at the world premieres of their movies in 2021

This year, we saw two openly queer women receive first time nominations in the Academy’s acting categories. Famously, the Academy rarely nominates openly LGBTQ performers while often honoring straight actors for playing queer roles, something that was considered “brave” until shockingly recently. But how have out queer performers fared in the past?

Let’s take a look at the previous nominees… 

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On this day: Best Actress Tie, Lincoln Assassination... and a Tarzan and Jill Marriage.

On this day in history as it relates to showbiz...

1865 President Lincoln is assassinated. He's surely the President that's hit the movies the most often, most successfully in Steven Spielberg's fantastic Lincoln (2012)

1894 The first commercial motion picture house opens using Thomas Edison's "kinetoscope" device. You had to look through a peephole though so it was only one viewer at a time, though the venue had 10 of the machines. Coincidentally Thomas Edison will be played by Benedict Cumberbath in this year's Oscar hopeful The Current War which is about Edison's battle with George Westinghouse (Michael Shannon) over sustainable electricity in America...

1904 Sir John Gielgud, one of the great British actors, was born. He won the Oscar for Arthur (1981) but his filmography stretches all the way from the silent era through Elizabeth (1998)

1925 Oscar regular Rod Steiger (On the Waterfront, The Pawnbroker, In the Heat of the Night) born

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Monday Monologue: You Spoiled Little Bastard.

Jose here. With the Arthur remake arriving in theaters this weekend, now's a good opportunity to remember what made the original one of the most beloved movies of the 80s. The answer: John Gielgud.
The legendary British actor set the standards for what would become a subcategory of acting during the following decades: brilliant actors playing wise sidekick to rising stars.

His performance as valet/father figure Hobson, to Dudley Moore's irresponsible title millionaire, won him the Best Supporting Actor Oscar and with reason. He's truly unforgettable. In one of his best scenes, he gives Arthur a life lesson he probably would never forget.  

After Arthur has finished racing his car, he exits the vehicle complaining about his life. The loyal Hobson, asks him to hand over his helmet and goggles.

After this he slaps him while calling him a "spoiled little bastard".

Without giving Arthur a chance to say anything, Hobson begins:

You're a man who has everything, aren't you. But that's not enough!
You feel unloved Arthur? Welcome to the world. Everyone is unloved!  

Now stop feeling sorry for yourself...

Incidentally... I love you. 

Marry Susan, Arthur. Poor drunks do not find love Arthur.  
Poor drunks have very few teeth, they urinate outdoors, they freeze to death in summer.

I can't bear to think of you that way. 

Gielgud's spitfire delivery makes this monologue touching, hilarious and surprising. Best of all is the way in which Moore reacts to Gielgud. He seems to be in awe of this man's capacity.
The camera follows Arthur and Hobson as the latter continues his speech. Arthur just nods in agreement and for the first time in what seems an eternity shuts up completely.

We understand that Hobson's relationship to his employer has transcended any expectations. They have bonded and have learned to love each other.

Just as Arthur begins to speak again, telling his friend how he's fallen in love for the first time, Hobson, who has undoubtedly been devising a plan magically adds, 

Perhaps fate will lend a hand... 

How do you think Dame Helen Mirren will fare playing this iconic role? Do you think anyone will ever live up to Gielgud's beautiful performance?