Philadelphia, PA – Olivia Rutigliano, a college student at the University of Pennsylvania, delved into the intriguing case of Alice Brady’s missing Oscar. With a research grant in hand, Rutigliano embarked on a journey to uncover the truth behind the stolen award. Through her investigation, it was revealed that the mysterious disappearance had actually been resolved a decade earlier by director Henry King, who handed the Oscar to Brady following a celebration, only for it to vanish after her untimely death the following year.
Years later, as a PhD student at Columbia University, Rutigliano continued her quest to locate Brady’s missing Oscar. After discovering that the award had been unknowingly auctioned off in Dallas, she faced the challenge of contacting the anonymous buyer who had purchased it labeled as a “replacement.” Despite her efforts to enlighten the buyer about the true origin of the award, communication was unattainable.
In an interview with Mother Jones in 2018, Rutigliano expressed her determination to keep the discussion alive regarding Brady’s Oscar, with hopes that the message would eventually reach the buyer. The intrigue surrounding the missing award has captured the attention of many, highlighting the enduring fascination with Hollywood’s secrets and the quest for resolution in the realm of film history. Through her persistence and dedication to uncovering the truth, Rutigliano has shed light on a forgotten piece of cinema history, raising awareness of Brady’s legacy and the journey to reclaim her stolen Oscar.