The closest Marilyn ever got to an Oscar was in 1951, a year before she had graduated to top-star billing, when she went to the Pantages Theater (6233 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood) to present the Best Achievement in Sound Oscar to Thomas Moulton for his work in ALL ABOUT EVE (1950). For the occasion she looked resplendent in a off-the-shoulder gown borrowed from the Fox wardrobe department. There was drama just before she was due to go on stage, when she noticed a small rip in the dress. A bevy of Fox handlers had to fix the rip ad calm her nerves sufficiently for her to conquer her stage fright.
The closest Marilyn came to winning on her own merits was rumors of a Best Actress nomination for her performance in BUS STOP (1956), and then two years later for SOME LIKE IT HOT (1959). On neither occasion did the nomination materialize; the Oscars going in 1956 to Ingrid Bergman (Anastasia) and in 1959 to Simone Signoret (Room at the Top). Her co-star Don Murray was nominated for his role in BUS STOP. On two separate occasions, film columists have suggested giving Marilyn a special posthumous career Oscar, first in 1963, then ten years later.
-from The Marilyn Encyclopedia by Adam Victor
Footage does exist from Marilyn's appearance at the Oscars!
The franklin mint also released a doll featuring Marilyn's beautiful gown from this event.
