As an incentive to keep the show's running time short, a television was offered to whoever gave the shortest acceptance speech. The prize went to Michael Dudok de Wit, who won, interestingly enough, for Best Animated Short.
Of the 20 nominated actors, Albert Finney was the only one not in attendance. As of 2008, he has never been to an Academy Awards ceremony.
Steve Martin tried to persuade Johnny Carson into making an onstage appearance but Carson refused to come out of retirement.