Today’s birthday girl, Barbara Stanwyck, really is the greatest — supremely talented, stunning, and classy. But no Oscar wins, despite four Best Actress nominations for 1937’s Stella Dallas, 1941’s Ball of Fire, 1944’s Double Indemnity (for which I’d have given her the award), and 1948’s Sorry, Wrong Number.

At least she finally got an honorary one — and gave one of the best speeches then, too.

This article is part of a special year-long series of anecdotes, reflections and thoughts about the Academy Awards.