As the 87th Academy Awards approaches, we have looked to our collection, which is filled with stars – both from the art world and from Hollywood. American photographer Sid Avery was known for taking behind-the-scenes photos of many Hollywood greats. The BMA owns several of his prints, which depict celebrities at work, play, home, and more.
Here are a few of our favorites from our collection, along with some fun facts about each of the actors, actresses, and singers depicted. Happy Oscar Sunday!
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Marlon Brando won two Academy Awards for “On the Waterfront” (1955) and “The Godfather” (1973). He was nominated 8 times. // “Marlon Brando With Bongo Drums in the Den of His Beverly Hills Home” Sid Avery, gelatin silver print. BMA collection 1990.104.10.
Kim Novak starred in Alfred Hitchcock’s Academy Award-winning film “Vertigo” (1958), which is recognized today as one of the best films of all time. // “Kim Novak, Los Angeles” Sid Avery, gelatin silver print. BMA collection 1990.104.3.
Yul Brynner won the Academy Award for Best Actor in “The King and I” (1956). He also won two Tony Awards for the same role. // “Yul Brynner The Stamp Collector, Beverly Hills” Sid Avery, gelatin silver print. BMA Collection 1990.104.11.
Dean Martin performed at the Oscar’s in 1954, singing “Three Coins in the Fountain” which went on to win best song for the year. // “Dean Martin, Los Angeles” Sid Avery, gelatin silver print. BMA collection, 1990.104.13.
Jackie Cooper was a child actor and was the youngest person to be nominated for an Academy Award at age 9 for “Skippy” (1931). He held that title until Justin Henry was nominated in 1979 for “Kramer vs. Kramer.” // “Jackie Cooper with his wife Barbara and daughters Julie and Christie, Beverly Hills” Sid Avery, gelatin silver print. BMA collection 1990.104.8.
Rock Hudson was nominated for “Giant” in 1957. // “Rock Hudson Washing His car Outside His Hollywood Hills Home” Sid Avery, gelatin silver print. BMA collection 1990.104.9.
Humphrey Bogart won the Oscar for Best Actor for “The African Queen” (1951) and was nominated two other times; Lauren Bacall has won an honorary Oscar for her central role in the Golden Age of motion pictures. // “Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall with their son Stephen and Pet Boxers” Sid Avery, gelatin silver print, 1990.104.14.
James Garner was nominated for an Oscar for his role in “Murphy’s Romance” (1986). // “James Garner Shoots for the Family Album” Sid Avery, gelatin silver print. BMA Collection 1990.104.1.
Nat King Cole was a singer in the Academy Award-winning film “Cat Ballou” (1965). // “Nat King Cole Performing at Ciro’s Night Club” Sid Avery, gelatin silver print. BMA collection 1990.104.12.
Joanne Woodward won an Academy Award for her role as lead actress in “Three Faces of Eve” (1957); Paul Newman has won an Oscar for Best Actor in “The Color of Money” (1986), has won two honorary Oscars, and has been nominated a total of 10 times // “Joanne Woodward & Paul Newman Having Coffee on the set of ‘Rally Round the Flag, Boys'” Sid Avery, gelatin silver print, BMA collection, 1990.104.15
