Maggie Smith earned one of the most acclaimed honors of her acting career when she struck gold at the 42nd Academy Awards 52 years ago today.
Long before the public knew her from her iconic roles in Harry Potter and Downton Abbey, she was already a celebrated screen and stage actress, earning universal recognition for her remarkable talent and commanding presence.
On April 7, 1970, the British actress further cemented her name in Hollywood after landing her first-ever Oscar Award.
Nominated alongside equally talented actresses, Smith ultimately surpassed the formidable performances of fellow nominees, including Geneviève Bujold (Anne of the Thousand Days), Jane Fonda (They Shoot Horses Don't They?), Liza Minnelli (The Sterile Cuckoo) and Jean Simmons (The Happy Ending), securing her place as a standout winner of the night for Best Actress.
Maggie Smith arrives at "The Lady In The Van" - Centrepiece Gala, at Odeon Leicester Square on October 13, 2015 in London, England.John Phillips/Getty Images for BFI
At 35, she took home the coveted title for her lead role in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, where she perfectly portrayed the unconventional and manipulative yet charismatic teacher working at the Marcia Blaine School for Girls in Edinburgh during the 1930s.
Presented by Oscar-winning actor Cliff Robertson, the award was accepted by close friend and fellow actress and comedian Alice Ghostley.
“Well, I'm standing here and I'm thinking that with a marvelous husband like Robert Stephens and a distinguished director like Robert Fryer and the courage of a man like Richard Zanuck; well, put those all together and you just can't miss. And they didn't. And we in America present this award to you, Maggie, with as much thanks as it is a tribute to your magnificent performance. And thank you, everyone, from Maggie Smith,” she mentioned in her acceptance speech, conveying the actress’ appreciation and gratitude for such an amazing honor.
Following this win, she also took home the Best Actress Award at the 23rd British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) alongside co-star Celia Johnson as Best Supporting Actress.
Maggie Smith and Pamela Franklin star in the film "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie" in 1969.20th Century Fox/Getty Image
Nine years later, Smith returned to the Oscar stage to accept the Best Supporting Actress title at the 51st Academy Awards in 1979.
The recognition was for her striking performance as the British stage actress Diana Barrie in California Suite.
With her career spanning decades, Smith's most iconic roles were Violet Crawley, the Dowager Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey and of course, who wouldn't forget her stern yet kind-hearted character in Harry Potter as Professor Minerva McGonagall.
On Sept. 27, 2024, news broke about the passing of the award-winning actress at 89. She was survived by her sons, Chris Larkin and Toby Stephens, who also confirmed her death.
Related: 48 Years Ago Today, Beloved '70s Icon Won Her Only Best Actress Award at the Oscars
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