The rules in place at the time required studios to submit lists of names for lead and supporting. March was still a major star at the time. He had equal billing to Burt Lancaster and Kirk Douglas and was, in fact, nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Actor - Drama. It's unlikely that Paramount would have submitted him in support.mlrg wrote:I’ve finally seen Seven Days and May and totally agree that March is the standout, but why was he ineligible? Under which academy rule?Big Magilla wrote:Fredric March, who should have bene nominated and won for his marvelous turn as the President under siege in Seven Days in May, was submitted as lead so was ineligible under the then existing Academy rules.
The Academy was not allowed to change the studio recommended placement the way they are now. It was the effect of Barry Fitzgerald's double nomination in 1944. It remained in effect at least until the 1971 awards. I remember that there was a big stink that Trevor Howard was listed for lead in Ryan's Daughter the year before which prevented him from being nominating in support where had been considered a leading contender.