Has an Oscar ever been awarded to someone who has deceased since the production but before the Oscar ceremony?

Question

Obviously many people are talking about Heath Ledger and how he should be given a Oscar but has it happened before? Do the guidelines of qualifications for an Oscar allow for someone deceased to receive one? Who would accept the award?

Answer 1

Peter Finch for Best Actor in "Network" (1976)

There have been posthumous nominees, as well as nominees who died before the Oscars were held. Generally, arrangements are made for someone to pick up an award, as did Peter Finch's widow.

Throughout the past, many Oscars have been accepted by people who weren't the winners. Often, nominees are unable to attend due to personal reasons or are on location. I imagine that the Academy is prepared for everything.

Others who were nominated posthumously are:

James Dean for "Giant"~Best Actor

James Dean for "East of Eden"~Best Actor

Spencer Tracy for "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?"

Massimo Triossi for "Il Postino"~Best Actor and Best Writing/Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium

Special mention: Sidney Howard won the Oscar for Best Screenplay for "Gone With the Wind" (1939). He is the first person to win an Academy Award posthumously.

There might be others, but it's after 6 a.m., and I haven't been to bed yet. *SIGH*

Answer 2

^^the above is right.

I saw "the Dark Knight" and I think Ledger should get the Oscar. He was brilliant!

Answer 3

yes i believe someone has won an oscar though they were decease. Peter Finch did... and for the record, Heath Ledger deserves an oscar... so fingers crossed for him. xx