An Academy Tribute to Jimmy Stewart

Beverly Hills, CA, May 27, 2008 — Actresses Shirley Jones, Ann Rutherford and Carroll Baker will join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in a special centennial tribute to Academy Award®-winning actor James Stewart on Thursday, June 12, at 8 p.m. at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills. The celebration will feature film clips and onstage conversations with Stewarts’ friends and colleagues as well as daughters Kelly Stewart Harcourt and Judy Stewart Merrill.

Jimmy Stewart: Pictured here: Publicity portrait of James Stewart, 1947. (credit: Courtesy of the Margaret Herrick Library)

Born in Indiana, Pennsylvania in 1908, Stewart began acting after receiving a degree in architecture from Princeton University. Over the course of his career, Stewart received five Academy Award nominations and won the Oscar® for his portrayal of Mike Connor in “The Philadelphia Story” (1940). His other nominated roles were in “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” (1939), “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946), “Harvey” (1950) and “Anatomy of a Murder” (1959).

“Characters like Jefferson Smith and George Bailey are woven into the fabric of America’s film history,” said Academy President Sid Ganis. “Jimmy Stewart made it all look so effortless.”

Considered a good citizen of Hollywood, Stewart served in the Air Force during World War II (rising to the rank of Brigadier General), an act that led many to volunteer for service. In 1984 the Academy bestowed Stewart one final award, its Honorary Award (an Oscar statuette), the citation of which read, “To James Stewart, for his fifty years of memorable performances. For his high ideals both on and off the screen. With the respect and affection of his colleagues.”

Jones co-starred with Stewart in “Two Rode Together” (1961) and “The Cheyenne Social Club” (1970). Baker appeared with Stewart in “How the West Was Won” (1962) and “Cheyenne Autumn” (1964). Rutherford appeared with Stewart in “Of Human Hearts” (1938).

Tickets to “A Centennial Tribute to James Stewart” are $5 for the general public and $3 for Academy members and students with a valid ID. Tickets are available for purchase by mail, at the Academy box office, or online at oscars.org. Doors open at 7 p.m. All seating is unreserved.

The Samuel Goldwyn Theater is located at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. For additional information, visit oscars.org.

In conjunction with the tribute, the UCLA Film & Television Archive will present a retrospective Stewart screening series at the Billy Wilder Theater in Westwood. For more information, visit cinema.ucla.edu.

Friday, May 23, at 7:30 p.m.
“Vivacious Lady” (1938)
“Born to Dance” (1936)

Saturday, May 24, at 7:30 p.m.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946)
“The Shop around the Corner” (1940)

Saturday, May 31, at 7:30 p.m.
“Vertigo” (1958)
“Rope” (1948)

Sunday, June 1, at 7 p.m.
“Call Northside 777” (1948)
“The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance” (1962)

Saturday, June 7, at 2 p.m.
“The Naked Spur” (1953)
“The Man from Laramie” (1955)

Sunday, June 8, at 7 p.m.
“Harvey” (1950)
“The Glenn Miller Story” (1954)

Source: Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

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