The Oscar Sweep that SHOULD Have happened:

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Well, Around the World in Eighty Days certainly was better than this.

It's the times, what can we do...

I've loved this film since I first saw it in the 70s, but I must say my appreciation of Olivier's acting has diminished over time. One finds oneself captivated by Olivier, not by Richard: you marvel at the actor's technique, not the character's progression. But for sheer theatricality, the performance is unsurpassed.

Yes, I'd've awarded him the Oscar over Yul Brynner (a powerful actor who could also project a king's authority with ease). Yes, as a successful, intelligent scripting/filming of Shakespeare, the screenplay and film are superior to the other nominees. But Bloom's Anne is rather vacuous, Richardson's Buckingham serviceable but not brilliant (Olivier wanted Orson Welles for the role, but was afraid of hurting Richardson's feelings when he expressed keen interest in playing it; I'd've given the nod to Gielgud for his magnificent Clarence), and the costumes not comparable to the gorgeous designs of The King & I.

While I own the film and still greatly enjoy it, I don't find it the consummate work that you do.