How Barbra Streisand and Katharine Hepburn Tied for Best Actress 

Interesting trivia: When Anthony Harvey called Katharine Hepburn to tell her she won and would deliver her Oscar to her, she told him to deliver it in a paper bag. Years later, when he was visiting her at her home in New York, he was looking for something in one of her kitchen cupboards and found the Oscar still wrapped in the paper bag.

This video was comprehensive, beautiful, and INCREDIBLE. And, the fact that it was an icon like Ingrid Bergman who announced the winners gives it that much more resonance.

That Barbra look is iconic

12:45 “he knew talent when he saw it.” Yes he did. Gregory Peck insisted nobody newcomer Audrey Hepburn receive top billing because he knew she’d win an Oscar for Roman Holiday, which she did.

Shoutouts to the late Gregory Peck for seeing what was happening in the culture and using his power to make the Academy more inclusive.

Katharine Hepburn's performance in "The Lion In Winter" is astonishing. You can't take your eyes off of her.

it’s so weird to see that 2001 space odyssey and rosemary’s baby having only won one oscar and now they are cult favorites

Barbra's screen presence and performance are very original. Inimitable and iconic.

Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant. Your research and care into crafting this piece is clear. Thank you! I’ve loved both films for years... they’re timeless. Looking back now, it seems like Hepburn and Streisand were destined to tie for Best Actress. Every moment they’re on screen is thrilling. And that Streisand was so masterful at such a young age is beyond me. Great. 🌟🌟🌟🌟❤️👏🏼

I’ve been waiting for this video forever so I clicked as soon as I saw

Streisand’s performance was fantastic, it’s a great movie. But I adore Hepburn and find Eleanor of Acquitaine one of the most fascinating women in history so the marrying of the person and actress was perfection for me.

Gregory Peck is one of my favorite actors from that generation. He was excellent in To Kill a Mockingbird. I became an instant fan of Streisand with Funny Girl. A great movie that showcased her amazing talent and beautiful voice. Phenomenal career for over 50 years for someone who, they said, would never make it.

Since I saw Natalie Wood flash upon your screen a few times, it made me remember her performance in Splendor in the Grass and how it was nominated in 1961. That performance was phenomenal, but the year was such a difficult one. It'd be interesting to see what you have to say about '61 -- or even Natalie's clear snub for Best Supporting Actress with Rebel.

In conclusion, we stan the amazing Gregory Peck

i love how you put together these narratives from the bare events of what happened. you're so talented

Can you also do someday how Judy Holiday beat Gloria Swanson, Bette Davis, and Anne Baxter. Or Gwyneth Paltrow beating Cate Blanchett. By the way, I'm a fan :)

wow, it's crazy out of 3030 voting members Barbra and Katharine received the same number of votes! I also can't imagine had Barbra not won the Oscar for Funny Girl!

Katharine Hepburn in The Lion In Winter is the greatest acting I've ever seen - masterpiece.

Another well told, engaging video essay. I love this series and I can't wait until the next video!

Great video!! It's interesting to hear about Gregory Peck attempting to revamp the Academy in light of all the chat today about representation and inclusivity. Thanks for the video!

Fascinating video essay on cinema history! Also, I just love how my pre-established love and respect for Gregory Peck has been reinforced by this peak into his off-screen insight.

Amazing how Streisand became a superstar right out of the gate and is still one 60 years later. Incredible

holy shit. this whole video just makes me think how glenn close (sentimental favorite, never won) and lady gaga (first film debut, huge popstar) can tie for best actress next year. omg i would cry i want it to happen so bad

I discovered your channel only recently and I've become obsessed.

Excellent review. Love this new channel. Love your matter of fact journalistic narrative voice. It makes for an enjoyable experience.

Your channel is my new favorite thing! 😍😍😍😍😍 I look forward to Judy Holliday over Bette Davis and Gloria Swanson.

Your videos are so high quality! Deserve much more subs

This was really good. I thought I knew everything about Barbra. But I like the Greg Peck story, a lot.

I've been waiting for this one. I love Barbra's performance in Funny Girl. I watch the film (and sing alone to it) every chance I get ☺

The Lion in Winter has been a favorite of mine for decades and should be far more widely known and celebrated these days.

If only Glenn Close (more the Hepburn type) and Gaga (more the Streisand type) could be a tie for best actress at the next oscar. 😫😫😫

Great video... thank you for putting this together and for giving us the background story on both Katherine and Barbra’s win. I also loved seeing Joan Crawford a little over minute 12 in the audience:)

I'm probably going to say this on every post you make, so I'm sorry if it gets old, but you are amazing! Your research is fabulous, your subjects are brilliant, your presentation is fantastic, and on and on! I can't wait for the next one!

excellent video! Btw, I love Barbra Streisand's work even in her later pictures, she was great, that lady has a presence that cannot be denied.😊 Funny Girl that's my movie. Thanks, Gregory Peck, also one of my favorite actors.😍 Sadie, Sadie, married lady that's me!

Love this video series, really interesting a well made. Just one thing to note - Walter Brennan was the first actor to win 3 oscars, he won the Oscar for best supporting actor in 1936, 1938 and 1940 :)

I audibly squealed when I saw you posted this video

Hepburn's accent has been described by at least one wag as "Connecticut lockjaw." Very apt, in my opinion.

If anyone had/could tie with Katherine Hepburn • I'm very pleased/happy it was Streisand. There both icon's and both tremendously powerful in Hollywood ~ ♡♡♡

Finally this video!! I'd like to see one for Meryl Streep in 2012

This was an interesting insight into the Academy, and the voting process. I never really thought what the actual numbers were, but it’s surprising to think that Streisand’s vote cemented her win. I never knew she was given membership prior to the opening of “Funny Girl”. One would think more would have been said after that evening, especially by the other nominees.

This over-complicates things in parts, but it is still a brilliant analysis of that watershed year in US film history. Hepburn and Streisand's performances have lasted through the decades, as have the two films which showcased them.

First reaction I had watching this video was: "Wow, Ingrid Bergman and Katharine Hepburn aged like fine wine."

I had heard this story before. Is it any wonder that Barbra dedicated her Movie Album to Gregory Peck...she owed him a great deal, including this, her first Oscar. A second of course would follow for writing the Oscar winning song "Evergreen" for her version of a Star is Born. For me, the best Katharine Hepburn films were this, The Lion in Winter and On Golden Pond, both of which earned her the Oscar. Today, Meryl Streep has surpassed Katharine with the most nominations - 21.

I’ve been waiting for this video my whole life

Great channel!!! Thanks for contributing and sharing your knowledge. Very classy.

Let''s be real; Barbra was awarded the Oscar not so much for her acting chops in Funny Girl, but for her musical performances. Evidently, the old school academy members/voters were as big a fans of Barbra at the time as everyone was. Also, Barbra Streisand starring in Funny Girl remains one of the most perfect marriages of actress and role that film has ever seen.

Girl I’ve been waiting for you to post another video.

I’m a great fan on Hepburn! I have her autograph framed on my wall. Love your commentary.

What an informative video. I've wondered about what led up to the tie, and learning about the revamped Academy under Gregory Peck was something I'd never known. Hepburn in "The Lion in Winter", for me, is as close to a perfect film performance as I've ever seen. The passion in some of her longer monologues is just ... electric. Streisand in "Funny Girl", in its own way, is electric as well, sort of a new breath into Hollywood. What really caught my eye, though, my first watch-through was ... WHAT IN THE WORLD IS HAPPENING WITH JOAN CRAWFORD'S HAIR @12:40? Yikes.

I’VE BEEN WAITING SO LONG FOR THIS VIDEO!!! I EVEN WATCHED “FUNNY GIRL” LAST WEEK SO I WOULD BE READY

Both brilliant performances, but I think Katherine is the best actress ever. Biggest snub ever ( in my opinion), Judy Garland in "A Star is Born". Classic case of media darling(hype) of Grace Kelly"The Country Girl", over someone who had irritated the voters. Judy was incredible!! She covered all the bases in that movie.

I!! LOVE!! YOUR VIDEOS!!!!! like... honestly, contextualizing this moment in terms of history and social issues and industry trends and gender??? i learned so much just now. thank you.

You are so talented! The way you edit and research these videos is just amazing!

You are so good! I can’t get enough of your videos. I always watch them twice, often more. Thank you 👏🏾🙏👍🏾

Love your videos. They’re so well put together and we’ll researched. You’re fast becoming my favourite RU-vid channel.

Two great, iconic films that are classics 50+ years later.

Excellent analysis, and thoroughly interesting!

Just found this channel ugh finally content for ME

'Meryl Streep' winning over 'Viola Davis' In 2011.

I SCREAMED WHEN U FINALLY UPDATED LOL thanks girl

Thank you, Gregory Peck.

Wonderful video, great job. I'm lucky it popped up on my feed. Subscribed.

FINALLY!!!! We have the long awaited video! Great video

Great video and analysis. I remember years ago as a kid watching " The Mike Douglass Show " and his main guest was author James Bacon. The interview was memorable because Bacon credited himself for Streisand's Oscar win. As he recounted the story, it was a week before the Oscar ballots were due. James Bacon was at the home of a voting Academy member's house for dinner ( Bacon BTW was not a voting member ). As the night wound down, his host was drunk and Bacon noticed his Oscar ballot had yet to be filled out and asked his friend why not with the voting deadline only a week away. The host said something along the lines of he didn't give a damn about the Oscars. And with that Bacon said he filled out the ballot and voted for Streisand because he felt she'd given the best performance of the year. Bacon went on to add that he even mailed the ballot himself.

Great video...!!! A tie is almost impossible. That's why I'd love to see another Oscar tie! Can you imagine a 3-way, or more-way tie...?!!!

You do explain so well the times, the situation, the references, thanks so much for your amazing work!

Barbra Streisand is a queen of Musical and Katharine Hepburn- queen of Drama

As a classic movie fanatic, I found this video absolutely fascinating and SO well done. I just subscribed. More, please!

Hi there I'm a new sub. Wow I love your channel. I Love your voice. It's perfect for narration. Just to let you know. Barbara Streisand was discovered by Liberace. He gave her her debut at one of his Las Vegas shows back in the day. I'm not sure many people knew this because she never acknowledged him which I think hurt poor Lee. I'm a huge Liberace fan. Anyhoo. This is awesome. Thanks so much. Much love and regards from Ireland 💖💖💖🏵🏵👍

Wow! Imagine my excitement to see this video in my recommended list and my surprise to see that it was released only yesterday! I enjoyed every minute of it. The best part is at 12:32 where we get a glimpse of Jane Wyman, Raquel Welch, and Joan Crawford. I was wondering if the show "Feud: Bette and Joan" got it right when Bette Davis allegedly downplayed Hepburn's third Oscar by saying "but she only got two and a half Oscars!" I guess we'll never know.

This channel is so good! i subscribed since a star is born video and with this one i know i came to my new favorite place of youtube.

Best film, cultural and industry analysis on youtube superbly researched and analyzed pauline kael would be proud of you

Be Kind, you're so talented. thank you

Great video - as always. Interesting tidbit: when Barbra won the songwriting Grammy for Evergreen, she and co-writer Paul Williams tied with Joe Brooks for You Light Up My Life!

Outstanding video - I love your channel - one of the best hands down. - just for what it's worth I've heard that the reason for the split was because of nominee Joanne Woodward's carrying on that her husband Paul Newman wasn't nominated for Best Director for "Rachel, Rachel" and that cost Woodward her second Oscar - she was the favorite to win going in.

Could you perhaps do something About the 3 movies that has each won 11 Oscars. And One about how Moonlight beat La La land for best picture

This is a brilliant film essay. It deftly dissects the industry at a juncture of great change. I am pleased that it also references the alterations to the stolid old Academy membership which Mr. Peck's efforts brought. He is the true hero in all of this. Streisand and Hepburn are but two of the many heroines. The Academy has only gotten better since then. I think the more recent attempts to bring new racial/ethnic and women's talents into the positions of real power in the business is and will be greatly assisted by the Academy.

...this needs to happen this year...Viola Davis and Andra Day should both be awarded for best actress

Thank you Gregory Peck!

Both films and performances are great but Katherine's performance was beyond amazing. Also, why does this clip seem to downplay Lion and Winter? It's actually one of the best films I have ever seen.

I LOVE These videos, just not for Oscars and movies, but for HISTORY- so relevant. PLEASE keep them coming----they are fascinating and insightful to watch

From what I’ve just heard, I really like Gregory Peck.

Thank you for making this video..it made me cry...

What Streisand achieved in “Funny Girl” was unique; nobody else could have made it work so well. What Hepburn achieved in “Lion in Winter”, while brilliant, could have worked well with a handful of other actresses. It’s just that simple.

I randomly clicked on this video and I'm so happy that I did. This was done so well, I really lost myself watching this, you've made it so interesting, informative and entertaining to watch! The video is amazingly cut together and your narrative is perfect. I didn't hesitate for a second to subscribe

How have I not been binging your content! This is amazing seriously.

tie's competitions and tie awards are all wonderful, to cause that means they both are winners, nobody lost I love tie's winnings,

I offer no suggestions for what you should consider for your next video. Your choices, so far, are perfect. Your narrative is compelling and believable. Well. Done.

Two favorite movies! This piece on the 1968 Oscar tie was so well done and your analysis of the context and the individual achievements of these two great stars/actors is brilliant! I was hooked every second. You've got yourself a grateful new subscriber. Can't wait to see more. (Can't even imagine what the thumbs downs are for.)

Lmao when you Google Audrey Hepburn it says she was a "British Actress" 😂

OMG You did such good job with this one. Also, all the commenters will be satisfied that you did the famous tie. I look forward to each one.

Such a well-informed, balanced and nuanced set of videos that look at both the practical and business imperatives as well as the social and artistic ones.

And both won again which proves their talent . Katherine did not pass the torch along to Barbra . This crap of the older ones only use is to pass the baton on is ageism . Katherine won best actress in 1981, Barbra won for a Star is Born . Best song. This tie occurred because both received statistically the same number of votes. Period .

Another fantastic video! Honestly the Academy should let you present the Best Actress award at the Oscars after you finish all these, it's only fair

Imagining how Barbara felt if she didn't vote for herself and therefore missed out on a solo win, or if she voted for Hepburn, causing the tie.

I read about this years ago that it was implied that Streisand had voted for herself because she became a voting member when the rules were bent to accommodate her. I can’t imagine that she was the only nominee to ever do that.

Hepburn, the greatest actress in Film History. Streisand, the greatest show woman in show biz history. Two legends. Two Queens. Two unique women. Both winning an Oscar in the same year. (x) It was written. ❤

This is wonderfully done. Loved every moment of it. Well done!

Although I greatly admire Hepburn, she could’ve rightly won for Long Journey, Summertime, many others. Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner was not a great performance, just a sympathy Oscar for Spencer Tracy. Yes, Lion in Winter is great acting. But Streisand gave an all-encompassing performance - drama, comedy, singing, dancing - that is still legendary. That Oscar should’ve been hers alone.

Genuinely interesting and insightful. A real antidote to the screaming half assed nonsense on most public forum, thanks