John Wayne’s Final Role: The Oscar He Longed For

Throughout his remarkable career, John Wayne became a towering figure in cinema, yet one of the more curious omissions as he stepped away from the limelight was the absence of an honorary Academy Award. While many of his contemporaries—Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Greta Garbo, Cary Grant, Orson Welles, Alec Guinness, Henry Fonda, James Stewart, and Paul Newman—were recognised with such honours during their lifetimes, Wayne was never granted this distinction. Nevertheless, he did secure a competitive Oscar, taking home Best Actor for his portrayal in True Grit. Some in the industry saw this as a nod to his enduring influence rather than a pure celebration of his performance as Rooster Cogburn, but for Wayne, the accolade was a long-awaited validation of his place among the greats.

Wayne had previously been nominated twice: once for his role in Sands of Iwo Jima, and again as producer of The Alamo. Despite these acknowledgements, he was rarely considered among the most versatile actors of his generation. He was, more often than not, simply himself on screen. Yet, what he lacked in dramatic range, he more than compensated for with sheer presence, box office appeal, and a career that spanned decades.

The Shootist: Art Imitates Life

As Wayne sensed the end of his career—and indeed, his life—approaching, he sought a part that would serve as a fitting farewell. He found it in The Shootist, a story that mirrored his own circumstances: an ageing gunman, JB Books, facing his mortality after a cancer diagnosis. The role resonated deeply with Wayne, and the film became a poignant final chapter in his storied journey. Despite delivering what many considered his strongest work since True Grit, the film failed to bring him back into the awards conversation.

While Lauren Bacall received a Bafta nomination for Best Leading Actress and Ron Howard was shortlisted for a Golden Globe, Wayne himself was conspicuously absent from the lists. Critics praised his performance, but it was not enough to sway the Academy’s attention.

Unfulfilled Hopes and a Quiet Farewell

Pat Stacy, in her memoir, shed light on Wayne’s feelings during this period.

“The Shootist meant something to Duke, and he was determined to see that it was kept alive, even if he had to do it single-handedly,”

she recalled.

“Besides, there was talk in the air that the picture might land Duke a third Oscar nomination. Although we never talked about it, I knew he wanted it for the picture and wanted it for himself. He simply wasn’t sure how many more quality starring roles he could find for a man his age.”

As it turned out, there would be no further starring roles. Wayne passed away before he could embark on another project, despite plans to work again with Ron Howard. His last appearance at the Oscars was not as a nominee, but as a presenter, handing the Best Picture award to The Deer Hunter. The moment marked the end of an era, with Wayne’s legacy sealed, but his hopes for one final recognition left unfulfilled.