![James Stewart 4-Movie Collection [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81xuaJrixsL._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_.jpg)
In 1999, the American Film Institute (AFI) ranked Jimmy Stewart
third on its list of the greatest American male actors. He received numerous honors including the AFI Life Achievement Award in
1980, the Kennedy Center Honor in 1983, as well as the Academy Honorary Award and Presidential Medal of Freedom, both in 1985.
1957
Sonny and Cher.
Entertainer Cher (Cheryl Sarkisian) rose from teenage pop star
("I Got You Babe") to Oscar-winning actress ("Moonstruck").
1987
On May 16, 1929, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and
Sciences handed out its first awards, at a dinner party for
around 250 people held in the Blossom Room of the
Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood, California.
The brainchild of Louis B. Mayer, head of the powerful MGM
film studio, the Academy was organized in May 1927 as a
non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement and
improvement of the film industry.
Its first president and the host of the May 1929 ceremony was
the actor Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. Unlike today, the winners
of the first Oscars—as the coveted gold-plated statuettes
later became known—were announced before the awards
ceremony itself.
The first official Best Picture winner was Wings, directed by
William Wellman. The most expensive movie of its time, with
a budget of $2 million.
On May 12, 1957, race car driver A.J. Foyt (1935- ) scored his
first professional victory, in a U.S. Automobile Club (USAC)
midget car race in Kansas City, Missouri.
In 1989, Foyt became the first driver inducted into the brand-
new Motor Sports Hall of Fame in Novi, Michigan.
He practiced at the Indy 500 track in 1993, but retired on the
first day of qualifying races. Apart from auto racing teams,
Foyt’s later business interests have included car dealerships,
funeral homes, oil investments and thoroughbred racehorses.
"Chattanooga Choo Choo" is a 1941 song that was written by
Mack Gordon and composed by Harry Warren. It was originally
recorded as a big band/swing tune by Glenn Miller and His
Orchestra and featured in the 1941 movie Sun Valley Serenade
and received a gold record, presented by RCA Victor in 1942
(below) for sales of 1.2 million copies.
(L to R) Paul Douglas, W. Wallace Early and Glenn Miller, February 10, 1942.
Alton Glen "Glenn" Miller (March 1, 1904 – December 15, 1944)
