Davis kept clippings of the photos of her and Hughes at this event in a scrapbook, which she would at some point label “DIVORCE.”, Davis entered into a relationship with Hughes believing that her marriage was all but over, though neither she nor her husband had made moves toward a separation. The director John Cromwell allowed her relative freedom: "I let Bette have her head.

She is a performer known for her memorable and noteworthy live performances. In 1997, the executors of her estate, Merrill and Kathryn Sermak, her former assistant, established The Bette Davis Foundation, which awards college scholarships to promising actors and actresses. You can cancel anytime. In fact, it is said that he originally wanted to call the album Witches Brew—it was Betty who convinced him to change it. [24][better source needed] Their marriage was scrutinized by the press; his $100 a week earnings ($1,885 in 2020 dollars) compared unfavorably with Davis' reported $1,000 a week income ($18,850). Featured speakers included her son Michael Merrill and Lauren Bacall. She alienated Vincent Sherman by refusing to film certain scenes and insisting that some sets be rebuilt. When he introduced himself, he looked into my eyes, not down my dress. During 1988 and 1989, Davis was honored for her career achievements, receiving the Kennedy Center Honor, the Legion of Honor from France, the Campione d'Italia from Italy, and the Film Society of Lincoln Center Lifetime Achievement Award.

That really impressed me, though if I didn’t want men looking, why didn’t I wear a higher-necked dress?”, Before the night was through, Hughes asked Davis if he could see her again.

[99] There were stories that Davis and Crawford would purposely annoy each other on set. For a period of time in the 1930s, the Academy revealed the second- and third-place vote getters in each category, Davis placed third for best actress above the officially nominated Grace Moore. Slate may earn an affiliate commission. "[27], The film was a success, and Davis' characterization won praise from critics, with Life writing that she gave "probably the best performance ever recorded on the screen by a U.S. Years later, Davis looked back on Hughes with a mixture of pride and cattiness. During the early 1940s, several of Davis' film choices were influenced by the war, such as Watch on the Rhine (1943), by Lillian Hellman, and Thank Your Lucky Stars (1943), a lighthearted all-star musical cavalcade, with each of the featured stars donating their fees to the Hollywood Canteen. After a short courtship, she married Hyman at the age of 16, with Davis' permission. When Davis was nominated for an Academy Award, Crawford contacted the other Best Actress nominees (who were unable to attend the ceremonies) and offered to accept the award on their behalf, should they win. She married the musician in August 1932 …