The psychological thriller What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? is widely regarded as a cinematic masterpiece. Released in 1962 and starring Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, the film not only revived the careers of its legendary leads but also left an indelible mark on Hollywood history. Given the film’s enduring popularity, many people wonder what kind of awards it received and how it was recognized at the time of its release and in the years since.
A Groundbreaking Film
Directed by Robert Aldrich, What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? tells the haunting story of two sisters, both former actresses, who live together in a decaying Hollywood mansion. Bette Davis plays Baby Jane Hudson, a former child star who becomes increasingly unhinged as she torments her paraplegic sister Blanche, played by Joan Crawford. The film blends elements of psychological horror, drama, and suspense in a way that was groundbreaking for its time.
The film was both a critical and commercial success upon its release. It drew attention not only for its dark themes and unsettling atmosphere but also for the real-life rivalry between its two leading ladies. Critics praised the film’s performances, direction, and cinematography, setting the stage for awards season recognition.
Academy Award Recognition
At the 35th Academy Awards in 1963, What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? received five Oscar nominations. These nominations were:
- Best Actress in a Leading Role (Bette Davis)
- Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Victor Buono)
- Best Cinematography, Black-and-White (Ernest Haller)
- Best Costume Design, Black-and-White (Norma Koch)
- Best Sound (Joseph D. Kelly)
Out of these five nominations, the film won one Academy Award. The Oscar for Best Costume Design, Black-and-White went to Norma Koch for her work in capturing the faded glamour and eerie tension of the characters through their wardrobes. The win was significant, as it highlighted the film’s attention to visual storytelling and period-specific design.
Despite her powerhouse performance, Bette Davis did not win Best Actress. The award that year went to Anne Bancroft for The Miracle Worker. Joan Crawford, who was not nominated herself, made headlines by offering to accept the award on Bancroft’s behalf and did so on live television, further fueling speculation about the feud between the two stars.
Other Awards and Nominations
In addition to its Oscar recognition, What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? received several other accolades and nominations. Bette Davis earned a nomination for Best Actress at the BAFTA Awards, although she did not win. The film also garnered nominations at the Golden Globes, including a nomination for Bette Davis for Best Actress in a Drama.
Victor Buono, who played the role of Edwin Flagg, received much praise for his supporting role and earned an Academy Award nomination, despite being relatively unknown at the time. His nomination reflected the strength of the film’s ensemble cast and the compelling nature of the story.
Legacy and Retrospective Honors
While What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? did not sweep major award shows, its legacy has only grown with time. It is frequently cited in discussions of classic horror and psychological thrillers and has been preserved in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”
Over the years, the film has been honored by critics’ groups and academic circles, and it continues to be studied in film courses for its groundbreaking storytelling and iconic performances. It is also frequently ranked among the greatest horror films of all time and has influenced countless movies and television series in the psychological thriller genre.
