The 51st Annual Academy Awards at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, California. Johnny Carson hosted the awards for the first time. John Wayne, making his final public appearance, presents the award for best picture, "The Deer Hunter." Wayne died two months later of stomach cancer at age 72.
Best Actor: John Voight
Best Actress: Jane Fonda
Best Supporting Actor: Christopher Walken
Best Supporting Actress: Maggie Smith