October 29, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Leslie Unger - (310) 247-3000
                       lunger@oscars.org

	Bing Crosby started his career in films playing various versions of himself: a charming crooner and bandleader.

Beverly Hills, CA - Bing Crosby, whose exceptional recordings, golf prowess and roles in the "Road" movies with Bob Hope are all legendary, will be the subject of a Centennial Tribute at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Friday, November 21, at 8 p.m., in the Academy's Samuel Goldwyn Theater. Singer-pianist Michael Feinstein will serve as master of ceremonies for the evening.

Crosby was the biggest movie star in America from 1944 through 1948, when he held the number one box-office ranking in the country. In 1949 he slipped to number two, but stayed in the top five through the mid-1950s. During that time he received three Academy Awards^® nominations for Best Actor, winning in 1944 for his portrayal of Father O'Malley in "Going My Way." His roles in "The Bells of St. Mary's" and "The Country Girl" were also nominated.

In addition, Crosby introduced countless hit songs in his films. Those that won Academy Awards for their composers and lyricists include "White Christmas" from 1942's "Holiday Inn," "Swinging on a Star" from "Going My Way" (1944) and "In the Cool, Cool, Cool of the Evening" from "Here Comes the Groom" (1951). "Accentuate the Positive" from "Here Comes the Waves" (1945), "You Keep Coming Back Like a Song" from Blue Skies" (1946),"Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep" from "White Christmas" (1954) and "True Love" from "High Society" (1956) all were nominated.

Among those scheduled to participate in the program are Crosby's widow, Kathryn; Nancy Olson, who co-starred as Katherine Holbrook in "Mr. Music;" Marge Champion, who, along with her late husband, Gower, also appeared in "Mr. Music;" and Edith Fellows, who portrayed Patsy, the young girl to whom Crosby sang "Pennies from Heaven" in the film of the same name. In addition, numerous film clips will be screened.

Tickets for A Centennial Tribute to Bing Crosby are $5 for the general public and $3 for Academy members. They may be purchased in advance beginning November 3 at the Academy during regular business hours, by mail, or on the night of tribute, if still available, when the doors open at 7 p.m. The Academy is located at 8949 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills. For more information call 310-247-3600.