12th Annual Academy Awards
February 29, 1940

A Banquet at the Coconut Grove at the
Ambassador Hotel, Los Angeles

Your Host: Bob Hope

Welcome by out-going Academy Frank Capra and introduction of new Academy president Walter Wanger
Scientific and Technical Awards:Darrel F. Zanuck
Film Editing:Darryl F. Zanuck
Cinematography:Darryl F. Zanuck
Sound Recording:Darryl F. Zanuck
Art Direction:Darryl F. Zanuck
Special Effects:Darryl F. Zanuck
Music Awards:Gene Buck
Short Subjects:Bob Hope
Special Award to Judy Garland:Mickey Rooney
Director:Mervyn LeRoy
Victor Fleming was not present at the ceremony. David O. Selznick accepted the Award on his behalf.
Writing Awards:Sinclair Lewis
  • Screenplay winner Sidney Howard was presented with a posthumous Award.
  • Original Story winner Lewis Foster was not present at the ceremony.
    • Best Picture:Y. Frank Freeman
    Special Award to Jean Hersholt,
    Ralph Morgan, Ralph Block & Conrad Nagel:    		Basil O'Connor
    Thalberg Award:Dr. Ernest Martin Hopkins
    Commemorative Award to Douglas Fairbanks:Walter Wanger
    Supporting Actor:Fay Bainter
    Supporting Actress:Fay Bainter
    Actor:Spencer Tracy
    Robert Donat was not present at the ceremony. Spencer Tracy accepted the Award on his behalf.
    Actress:Spencer Tracy

    Best Actress Vivien Leigh and Gone With the Wind producer David O. Selznick
    Hattie MacDaniel displays her Award for Supporting Actress in Gone With the Wind after the ceremonies.
    Judy Garland poses with her Honorary Award and frequent co-star and presenter Mickey Rooney.