See an Oscar up close in Troy
The closest most of us will ever get to Oscar
We're heading into Oscars weekend, when actors, directors, screenwriters and other people in the film industry are having visions of holding a golden statuette, thanking the Academy, and timing their speeches in hopes they don't get played off.
But let's face it -- most people don't get an opportunity to see Oscar up close.
You can see one right now, though, at the Rensselaer County Historical Society in Troy.
The RCHS is currently displaying the Oscar won by Troy native Maureen Stapleton. It's part of an exhibit about Stapleton's life and work. She won the Oscar in 1981 for her supporting role as Emma Goldman in Warren Beatty's film Reds. When she accepted the award she said: "I want to thank Troy, New York, and my children, my family, my friends, and everybody I ever met in my entire life."
In addition to the Oscar, you can see Stapleton's Tony and Golden Globe awards, some interesting pictures of old Troy movie houses, a copy of a risqué invite to a party thrown for Stapleton by Liz Taylor, letters from Grace Kelly and Lillian Hellman, and a note (signed "Larry") from Sir Lawrence Olivier.
You can check out the exhibit, free, from noon to 5pm Thursdays-Saturdays through July 27.
RCHS is also hosting a pre-Oscar party on Sunday, which will include a talk by Phillip Caruso -- a Rensselaer County resident and professional still photographer for Hollywood feature films -- about his work on The Age of Innocence. The film was shot, in part, on Second Street in Troy. The party is from 4:30-7 pm at the RCHS and includes the talk, food, the exhibit, and prizes. It's $20.
Find It
Rensselaer County Historical Society
57 Second Street
Troy, NY 12180
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Comments
Phil Caruso, the guest speaker Sunday night, is a raconteur
of the highest order. His behind the camera Hollywood stories are truly glorious. I've heard him speak several times and I wish I could be there Sunday night.
... said gil ghitelman on Feb 20, 2013 at 5:14 PM | link
I could have sworn that the Albany Institute of History and Art also has an Academy Award in its holdings. I do remember seeing it on display at one time. Anybody want to investigate this?
... said Chuck Miller on Feb 21, 2013 at 6:58 AM | link
Yes, Chuck Miller, the Institute does have an Oscar, it was awarded to Albany native Edwin J. Burke for the screenplay of the 1931 film "Bad Girl".
... said Eric Scheirer Stott on Feb 21, 2013 at 8:32 AM | link
Came to ask the same question about the AIH&A. Thanks Eric!
... said Tim on Feb 21, 2013 at 11:09 AM | link