From Here to 1954

World War II epics “Saving Private Ryan” and “The Thin Red Line” are vying this year for the best picture Oscar. At the Academy Awards ceremony in 1954 at the Pantages Theatre, the World War II drama “From Here to Eternity” was the big winner. The film, featuring the legendary beach love scene between Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr, took home eight Oscars, including best film, best director (Fred Zinnemann) and supporting actor (Frank Sinatra) and actress (Donna Reed).

“From Here to Eternity” and “Thin Red Line” both happen to be based on James Jones’ novels.

William Holden won best actor for Billy Wilder’s World War II dark comedy “Stalag 17,” and a newcomer named Audrey Hepburn was named best actress for “Roman Holiday.”