True, that there have been several occassions when the voting is based on sentiment for the actor/actress more than acting merit. I haven't seen Harry & Tonto for many, MANY years...but I do recall that Carney was quite wonderful in the role.

Perhaps the fact that this television actor known mainly as a goofball sidekick made such a smooth transition to a SERIOUS starring movie role...combined with the fact that this might be the only time he'd ever receive a nomination...factored in to the decisions of those who voted for him. Looking back 30+ years, of course we GF fans cannot fathom Pacino losing the Oscar. But at the time, many apparently found it fitting to vote for someone else.

Another example of this was when Elizabeth Taylor won Best Actress in 1960 for 'Butterfield 8'. Many including Taylor consider this role and movie little more than trash, and she's given FAR superior performances before and since. However, Liz had nearly died that year and emotion/sympathy from voters may have been on her side.

Grace Kelly beating out Judy Garland who was the presumed hands down winner for Best Actress in 1954 is another. Not to take anything away from Kelly who gave a magnificent performance in 'The Country Girl'. But Garland's 'A Star Is Born' has since become a classic, and even today people are butting thier heads as to how anyone else could've gotten a vote...let alone the majority of votes over Judy. My personal theory is that by then she had such a terrible reputation of being difficult to work with, that many may have voted against her just out of anger and resentment.

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