How royal role earned JAWS star Robert Shaw sole Oscar nod

The shark in JAWS famously only appears onscreen for four minutes, but Robert Shaw as King Henry VIII - in what was incredibly his only Oscar-nominated role - only features in A Man For All Seasons (1966) for only two scenes, and a total of around 12 minutes.

As ever, he's an arresting and mesmerising presence as the larger-than-life King Henry and Shaw’s performance in the Fred Zinnemann directed A Man for All Seasons is a standout in a film of amazing actors and a sparking script by Robert Bolt, based on his play of the same name.

In fact, Zinnemann (who also directed High Noon and From Here To Eternity) called this the easiest movie he ever made in his autobiography, thanks to the extraordinary calibre of the crew, and the actors and actresses, and the way they worked together.

A Man for All Seasons can be described in on word, lavish. Hollywood certainly doesn’t make them like this anymore, with the story charting the last seven years in the life of Sir Thomas More (played by Paul Schofield, who won a much-deserved Oscar for the role), a devout Catholic who refused to acknowledge King Henry VIII as the head of the Church of England.

Shaw plays King Henry VIII, who is determined to have his way and will stop at nothing to make sure he gets it. Shaw’s portrayal of Henry VIII is intense and commanding, capturing the king’s arrogance, power, and ferocity. And what a cast it boasts, from the impeccable Scofield, Shaw, Orson Welles, Leo McKern, Susannah York and John Hurt to name but a few.

From the moment Shaw appears on screen, his presence is felt. He carries himself with the authority of a king, and his deep, booming voice leaves no doubt that he is a force to be reckoned with, so it is hard to think that Peter O’Toole was the original choice for the part.

Shaw’s performance is also notable for his chemistry with the other actors. His scenes with Paul Scofield, who plays Sir Thomas More, are particularly powerful. The two actors have a natural rapport, and their verbal sparring matches are a highlight of the film. Shaw’s scenes with Orson Welles, who plays Cardinal Wolsey, are also memorable. The two actors have a great dynamic, with Shaw playing off Welles’ larger-than-life persona.

The success of A Man for All Seasons can largely be attributed to the strength of its stellar performances, especially Schofield, but Shaw’s memorable portrayal of Henry VIII is a key factor in that success. Shaw’s nomination for Best Supporting Actor was well-deserved, and it is a shame that he did not win.

Overall, Robert Shaw’s performance in A Man for All Seasons is a tour de force. He brings a commanding presence to the role of King Henry VIII, conveying both the character’s arrogance and his inner turmoil. Shaw’s chemistry with the other actors is also impressive, making his scenes some of the most memorable in the film.

Although he did not win the Oscar for his performance, it remains a shining example of his talent as an actor. If you have not seen A Man for All Seasons, it is definitely worth watching for the acting and writing alone, by order of the King.

And for a film set in the 16th century, it is still hugely pertinent today, as it is a tale full of corruption and one man’s honesty, and what he would sacrifice for that.

Words by Dean Newman

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