Actor James Baskett Awarded His Oscar

On March 20, 1948, Baskett received an Honorary Academy Award for his performance as Uncle Remus in the 1946 Walt Disney film Song of the South. Only one other actor ever received one of these eternal Oscars for a role (Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kringle in the original Miracle on 34th Street.) Walt lobbied for Baskett to get this award and there was a big fight with the Academy members the night before the ceremony over it. In the end, Baskett was forever honored for his portrayal of the definitive Uncle Remus performance in this film. Baskett passed away shortly after.

He was the first black male actor to earn an Academy Award. Additionally, Baskett was the last adult actor to receive an Honorary Oscar for a single performance.

Posted for historical purposes. This channel is not affiliated with the Walt Disney Company or the Oscars.