December 2, 2002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Dawn Newell - (310) 247-3000
                   dnewell@oscars.org

	The 1959 drama "Ben-Hur" won a record-breaking 11 Oscars® at the 32nd Academy Awards®. The film, which starred Charlton Heston in the title role, took top honors when it was named the Best Picture of the year. Shown here is the famous chariot race in the film.

Beverly Hills, CA - The epic drama "Ben-Hur," which won the Oscar^® for Best Picture of 1959, races back to the screen on Monday, December 9, at 7: 30 p.m. as the next film in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' 75th anniversary series "Facets of the Diamond."

The film won 11 Academy Awards1 and set a new Oscar record, besting the previous high of nine Oscars1 won by "Gigi" the year before. "Ben-Hur" would remain the most honored motion picture in Academy history until 1997 when "Titanic" would tie the record. Footage from the 32nd Academy Awards telecast will be shown during the program. A trailer for "The Apartment," the next film in the screening series, also will be featured. The Best Song of 1959, "High Hopes" as performed by Frank Sinatra and Eddie Hodges from the film "A Hole in the Head," will serve as the evening's curtain music.

Tickets may be purchased, pending availability, at a cost of $5 each for the general public and $3 for Academy members and students with a valid I.D. Tickets may be purchased in person at the Academy during regular business hours or by mail. The Academy is located at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. For more information, call 310-247-3000, ext. 111.

Editors: Please note that downloadable photos from this film are available at http://photos.oscars.org