Michael Douglas reopened one of the Oscars’ most debated races during an appearance on “The Graham Norton Show,” arguing that Glenn Close, not Cher, should have won best actress at the 1988 Academy Awards. Douglas, 82, made the comments with Close, his “Fatal Attraction” co-star, sitting right beside him after host Graham Norton brought up her upcoming honorary Oscar.
“She should have won with ‘Fatal Attraction,'” Douglas said of Close. He noted that the role earned Close her fourth Oscar nomination and that Cher took home the trophy that year for “Moonstruck.”
Michael Douglas’ Cher Oscar remarks explained
Douglas starred opposite Close in “Fatal Attraction,” the 1987 thriller that earned her one of her eight career Oscar nominations. Despite that total, Close has never won a competitive Academy Award.
Norton reacted to the dig with a surprised “Oh, wow.” Douglas didn’t back down, replying, “I know. That’s what we all said,” as the studio audience laughed. Close quickly reined in her co-star, telling him, “Michael, be kind!”
Douglas was on the couch to promote his memoir, “One Helluva Ride.” The episode also featured Naomi Ackie, Kieran Culkin and musical guest Sugababes.
Background on the 1988 Best Actress race
Cher, 80, won best actress at the 60th Academy Awards for playing Loretta Castorini, an Italian American widow in Brooklyn who agrees to marry her boyfriend Johnny Cammareri but falls for his younger brother Ronny in “Moonstruck.” The win came in a crowded field that also included Holly Hunter for “Broadcast News,” Sally Kirkland for “Anna” and Meryl Streep for “Ironweed,” in addition to Close’s nominated turn in “Fatal Attraction.” Douglas didn’t leave empty-handed that night either. He won best actor for “Wall Street.”
Cher responds
Cher kept her reply short and sweet. A representative for the singer and actress told Page Six, “Cher adores Michael Douglas.”
Douglas’ remarks reopen a long-running Hollywood talking point about Close’s eight nominations without a competitive win. That total ties her with the late Peter O’Toole for the most acting nominations without a victory.
What’s next
Close will finally take home an Oscar on Sunday, Nov. 15, when the Academy presents her with an honorary award at the 17th Governors Awards at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Ovation Hollywood. Director Ridley Scott and animator Floyd Norman will also receive honorary Oscars that night.
Douglas has drawn headlines before for candid remarks about his personal history, including when he addressed a sex addiction rumor directly.
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