#8: Ventriloquist Edgar Bergen and His Puppet Charlie McCarthy (1938)

At the 10th Academy Awards in 1938, ventriloquist Edgar Bergen made a memorable entrance—alongside his puppet sidekick, who held a unique wooden Oscar of its own. Bergen’s sharp wit and masterful ventriloquism made him a household name, and his influence extended far beyond his own era.

Among those inspired by his work was Jim Henson, who would later revolutionize puppetry with The Muppets. Bergen’s presence at the Oscars was a reminder that great storytelling comes in many forms, and sometimes, the most unforgettable performances don’t come from actors alone—but from the characters they bring to life.