Put down those Pop Rocks and Diet Cokes.
Weve got some A-list myths to examine!
Want to know if being nude will get you a Best Actress statue?
Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Or if the Best Supporting Actress trophy is indeed a curse?
Youre in luck well be investigating one Oscars-related urban legend each day this week.
Read on to find out.
(Andclick herefor more of EWs Oscars Myth Busting.)
Oscar myth:Presenter-winner nepotism
What Is It?
Origin of the Myth:None.
When Its Come True:The late 1980s and early 90s were lousy with presenter connections.
That same yearWilliam Hurtpresented Best Actress toChildren of a Lesser GodsMarlee Matlin.
(Id like to believe Oscar wouldnt have planned that matchup on purpose.)
The two had worked together 45 years before onThe Valley of Decision.
when she announced the winner for 1999s Best Foreign FilmLife Is Beautiful.
(Loren had achieved the feat a full 37 years before.)
In the early 2000s,Michael DouglashandedGladiators Best Picture award toRidley Scott, his director on 1989sBlack Rain.
Two years later, Douglas also announced the top honor whenChicagotook the trophy.
The next year, Best DirectorRoman Polanskireceived his awardin absentiaby Ford, who starred in his 1988 thrillerFrantic.
The next year,George ClooneysPeacemakercostarNicole Kidmanhanded him the Best Supporting Actor award forSyriana.
as he strode to the stage.
Less than one-eighth of the time does not a myth a-make.
What was the strangest fit of all?
For my money, whenEddie Murphypresented the 1987 Best Picture award toBernardo BertoluccisThe Last Emperor.
- So, Is It True?
Not so much.
Then again theres always dumb luck.
A more interesting question is, why hasnt Meryl Streep ever presented a Best Picture or Director award?
A new myth is born!
Come back tomorrow, when Darren Franich will investigate whether the oft-cited Best Supporting Actress curse is indeed true.
Read more:
EW Special Coverage: Oscars 2012
