Yet, only one of his films -The Philadelphia Story-scored James Stewart the Academy Award for Best Actor.
The film was a resounding success, both critically and commercially.
However, it wasn’t the first film of his that should have won it.
In fact, he had three movies releasing nearThe Philadelphia Storywhere he gaveevenstronger James Stewart performances.
Smith Goes to Washington.
Now a cinematic icon and a film revered as one ofJames Stewart’s best movies,Mr.
Custom image by Ana Nieves
Smith Goes to Washingtonrightly received a great deal of Oscar buzz, including a Best Actor nomination for Stewart.
It was extremely well-received, but didn’t exactly break records at the box office.
Shortly after that cameNo Time for Comedy, easily the weakest of Stewart’s four 1940 films.
A wealthy woman learns the truth about herself when her ex-husband and a tabloid reporter show up just before her planned remarriage.
That said,The Philadelphia Storyis more of a Katharine Hepburn-Cary Grant film than a James Stewart movie.
Smith Goes to Washingtondidn’t win.
In 1939,Mr.
Smith Goes to Washingtonwas the heavy favorite for the award.
It falls short to not one, but three other James Stewart roles.
