Show Business: The Big Show, 1974

It was a cautiously balanced set of Oscars that were handed out last week. The Sting sweep (best picture, best director, best original screenplay, four minor prizes) could have surprised only those who cling to the fantasy that Hollywood's Academicians enjoy rewarding controversy (The Exorcist), truth telling (Cries and Whispers, American Graffiti) or success that is merely modest (A Touch of Class). The best-actor and best-actress choices—Jack Lemmon and Glenda Jackson—were also safe and sane. He is a popular local boy; she is a remote great lady winning her second Oscar in three years. Youth and age were equally served by...

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