1964

36th Academy Awards

Closely Fought Contest

It was April thirteen, when the Academy Awards rolled into town,

Santa Monica had been waiting all year, and a new host had been found.

Jack Lemmon was in charge, for this year’s most important affair,

When the spotlight was turned on, many were happy just to be there.

The illustrious crowd took their seats, waiting for the envelope to open,

Hoping their chance had come, in this momentous moment.

Best picture was announced, and it went to the movie Tom Jones,

While Sidney Poitier, took the best actor award home.

Rachel Roberts, Shirley MacLaine, Natalie Wood and Leslie Caron,

Saw their fellow nominee, Patricia Neal showing the Oscar for best actress she’d won.

Best director, went to Tony Richardson for his work on Tom Jones,

Cleopatra captured as many awards, before the curtain closed and they went home.

Closely fought contest, between Tom Jones and Cleopatra,

Between them they attained half the awards, they were up for and after.

Closely fought contest, at this annual awards ceremony,

Melvyn Douglas and Margaret Rutherford! Won best supporting actor and actress respectively.

Closely fought contest, before the curtain came down,

Hollywood had woven its magic, in this western county LA town.