51st Academy Awards

The 51st Academy Awards were presented April 9, 1979 at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Los Angeles. The ceremonies were presided over by Johnny Carson.

Notably, the two "front-runners" for Best Picture this year - Coming Home and The Deer Hunter - were anti-war films that reflected the nation's growing resentment over the Vietnam War. John Wayne, who would die of stomach cancer two months later, made his final public appearance to present the Oscar to the producers of The Deer Hunter.

This was also the final public appearance of Jack Haley, who died one month after presenting the Best Costume Design award with his co-star from The Wizard of Oz, Ray Bolger.

This was the first of several consecutive ceremonies presided over by talk show host Carson; introducing him on this broadcast, the announcer identified him as "John Carson".

Awards

Winners are listed first and highlighted in boldface.

Academy Honorary Awards

• Lord Laurence Olivier
• Walter Lantz
• King Vidor
• Museum of Modern Art Department of Film

Medal of Commendation

• Linwood G. Dunn, Loren L. Ryder and Waldon O. Watson

Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award

• Leo Jaffe

Presenters

• Lauren Bacall and Jon Voight (Presenters: Writing Awards)
• Robby Benson and Carol Lynley (Presenters: Short Subject Awards)
• Ray Bolger and Jack Haley......
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