#35: Burt Lancaster, Elizabeth Taylor and Shirley Jones (1961)

At the 1961 Academy Awards, Elizabeth Taylor stood at the center, holding her first Oscar for Best Actress—though it was for a role she famously disliked. Playing a high-class call girl in BUtterfield 8, Taylor felt the film was beneath her talents, but it marked the end of her long contract with MGM.

Despite her reluctance, the performance earned her Hollywood’s highest honor. Beside her, Burt Lancaster and Shirley Jones celebrated their own wins for Elmer Gantry, with Lancaster taking Best Actor for his fiery portrayal of a charismatic preacher and Jones winning Best Supporting Actress.