56th Academy Awards — award ceremony presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences for achievement in filmmaking in 1983
The 56th Academy Awards recognized the best films of 1983, with Terms of Endearment claiming five Oscars including Best Picture.
Key Facts
- Ceremony Date
- April 9, 1984
- Venue
- Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Los Angeles
- Host
- Johnny Carson (fifth time hosting)
- Categories Awarded
- 22
- U.S. Viewership
- 42.1 million viewers
- Best Picture Winner
- Terms of Endearment (5 awards)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Each year the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences evaluates films released in the prior calendar year and nominates outstanding achievements across acting, directing, writing, and technical crafts. The films of 1983 were assessed by AMPAS members to determine nominees and winners for the 56th ceremony.
On April 9, 1984, the 56th Academy Awards ceremony took place at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, hosted by Johnny Carson and broadcast on ABC. AMPAS presented awards in 22 categories, with Terms of Endearment leading all films with five wins including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress.
Terms of Endearment's sweep elevated its cultural profile and box office legacy. Fanny and Alexander and The Right Stuff each earned four awards, cementing their critical standing. The telecast drew 42.1 million U.S. viewers, reflecting the broad public interest in the Academy Awards as an annual cultural event.