10 Top Actors Who Turned Down Prestigious Awards
4. George C. Scott Declines His Oscar
The film Patton is a masterpiece and a lot of what makes it so fantastic is the unbelievably charming performance given by the legendary George C. Scott. When it came time for Oscar season many were certain where the award for Best Actor in a Leading Role would be going. Sure enough the prestigious trophy was granted to the Patton star and accepted by the film's producer Frank McCarthy.
The reaction from the presenters and crowd said it all. Scott had made it clear before the ceremony many times that should he win the award he would not accept it. In a humble manner - similar to Ving Rhames - Scott had discussed how he didn't believe actors should be in competition with each other. Despite the allure of an award singling him out as the best, Scott valued the work of every performer and felt that such events don't reflect his views.
The Oscar was taken back to the Academy the next day and Scott never even made an appearance at the ceremony. The fact that he had openly told the organisation that he would not accept the award, yet still received it goes to show how valued his performance was by the industry.