"Tom Jones" was voted the Best Picture in the 1964 Academy Awards. The British film was based on the Henry Fielding novel, "The History of Tom Jones, A Foundling." Starring Albert Finney in the title role, the adventure comedy garnered four oscars, tying with "Cleopatra."	Sidney Poitier became the first black actor to receive the Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of Homer Smith in "Lilies of the Field." Smith is an itinerant handyman who happens upon three nuns in an impoverished Mexican town who seek his aid in building a new chapel.
"The V.I.P.s " was a British film starring Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. The movie is about a group of travelers trapped at London's Heathrow Airport by a dense fog. Margaret Rutherford received the Supporting Actress Oscar in 1964 for her portrayal of The Duchess of Brighton who is traveling to Florida for work to help her keep her home.	"Tom Jones" set a record in 1964 when it received three nominations for Best Supporting Actress: Diane Cliento, Edith Evans, and Joyce Redman. Tony Richardson was voted Best Director. The film tied the record for most unsuccessful acting nominations -- five.