This ceremony marked the first time that multiple black nominees would win an Oscar, when Prince and Stevie Wonder won for their respective work on Purple Rain and The Woman in Red. Additionally, it was the only time that all five nominees in Best Original Song topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
While presenting the Best Picture award, Laurence Olivier forgot to list the nominees and simply tore open the envelope to declare: "Amadeus!".[1] Upon accepting the award on the film's behalf, producer Saul Zaentz had the presence of mind to mention the other Best Picture nominees during his speech to make up for Olivier's flub.
The Best Picture win for Amadeus was one of the film's leading eight wins, having also won Best Director for Miloš Forman and Best Actor for F. Murray Abraham, who beat Tom Hulce to the honor in what would become, as of 2024, the last time two actors from the same film would be nominated in Best Actor.
James Stewart "for his fifty years of memorable performances. For his high ideals both on and off the screen. With the respect and affection of his colleagues."
National Endowment for the Arts "in recognition of its 20th anniversary and its dedicated commitment to fostering artistic and creative activity and excellence in every area of the arts."