The Actor Who Made History by Winning Two Oscars for One Role

“The Best Years of Our Lives” is widely recognized as one of the most moving films about the struggles faced by veterans returning home from World War II.

Released in 1946 and directed by William Wyler, the film tells the story of three American servicemen as they try to adjust to civilian life. It explores their challenges, including the lasting impact of war and the shift in social and personal roles.

The movie was both a critical and commercial success. It won seven Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director for Wyler, Best Actor for Fredric March, and Best Supporting Actor for Harold Russell.

Remarkably, Russell, who was not a professional actor, also received a special Academy Award for “bringing hope and courage to his fellow veterans,” presented by Shirley Temple. Later that night, he won Best Supporting Actor, making him the only performer in history to receive two Oscars for the same role.

Russell had been discovered after appearing in a government documentary called “Diary of a Sergeant.” Despite competing against seasoned actors like Claude Rains and Charles Coburn, his performance was widely praised. Journalist Kristen Lopez described the film as “one of the best portrayals of disability I can recommend.”

The film’s storytelling and visual style have been highly influential. Cinematographer Gregg Toland and Wyler used deep-focus techniques to create complex scenes, allowing viewers to follow multiple actions at once.

French critic André Bazin highlighted this technique as a key example of realism in cinema. The ensemble cast, including Myrna Loy, Dana Andrews, Teresa Wright, and Virginia Mayo, contributed to the film’s powerful impact.

Upon release, critics responded enthusiastically. Bosley Crowther of The New York Times called it a masterpiece and praised its humanizing portrayal of veterans’ lives, saying, “It is seldom that there comes a motion picture which can be wholly and enthusiastically endorsed not only as superlative entertainment, but as food for quiet and humanizing thought.”

Decades later, critics like David Thomson and Pauline Kael recognized its value, noting its careful observation of postwar America.

“The Best Years of Our Lives” also achieved huge box office success, becoming the highest-grossing film in the U.S. and U.K. since “Gone with the Wind” at the time, and remains one of the most-attended films in the U.K., with over 20 million tickets sold.

In 1989, it was among the first films selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Film Registry, recognized for its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance. Today, the film maintains a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 93 out of 100 on Metacritic, signaling ongoing acclaim.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!