The Oscar (1966)

It's the night of the Oscars, and the glimmering spotlight falls upon Frank Fane, a first-time Best Actor nominee, seated amidst the sea of Hollywood's elite. As the tension builds, Fane's oldest friend and confidante, Hymie Kelly, delves into a compelling narrative of Fane's meteoric rise from their shared roots in the gritty underbelly of society to this glittering pinnacle of fame. Fane's journey into the world of acting was an unexpected detour, sparked by a raw talent that resonated most powerfully when he embodied characters reflecting his own cutthroat and street-smart origins. Yet, as his star ascended, he became blinded by the intoxicating illusion of invincibility. Fane was convinced that he could defy any threat to his rising trajectory, and in this delusion he overreached, splurging on a luxurious lifestyle that exceeded his means. In his relentless pursuit of success, Fane became a master manipulator, using and discarding people like pawns in a high-stakes game, often ruining them in retaliation for perceived slights. Yet, amidst this whirlwind of ambition and vengeance, he seemed to harbor genuine love for Kay Bergdahl, an aspiring costume designer who remained tantalizingly indifferent to his charms. Through it all, Fane's path was strewn with the casualties of his ruthless ambition - friends, foes, and everyone in between. Kelly's recollections paint a vivid picture of a man consumed by his own ambition, willing to sacrifice everything for that golden statuette. The unlikeliness of Fane's nomination and his desperate need to win it underscore the dark depths of his hunger for validation. As the Oscar night unfolds, one can't help but wonder: will Fane's ruthless struggle to the top finally pay off, or will it be his undoing?

The Oscar is a drama movie featuring Stephen Boyd and directed by Russell Rouse.

The Oscar is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy.

It is also possible to buy The Oscar on Kino Now.