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Sally Field Recalls Burt Reynolds’ Lack of Support During Oscar Win

Sally Field, aged 77, shares a poignant memory from her Oscar victory in 1980.

The renowned actress reflects on the evening she clinched her initial Academy Award and the absence of her then-partner, Burt Reynolds, by her side at the prestigious event.

In Dave Karger’s upcoming book, “50 Oscar Nights,” set for release on January 23, Field delves into the unsupportive stance of her famous ex amidst the acclaim she garnered for her performance in “Norma Rae.”

This marked her debut Oscar nomination and triumph in 1980.

Field discloses in the book, as reported by People, that Reynolds displayed a lack of kindness towards her during the Oscars period and declined to accompany her to the esteemed awards ceremony.

Evidently, this wasn’t the sole instance where Reynolds vocalized his discontent with Field’s rising career achievements.

Field recounts how Reynolds disapproved of her attendance at the Cannes Film Festival, expressing skepticism regarding her potential success.

Ultimately, Field found solace in the company of friends – comedian David Steinberg and his spouse, Judy – at the 52nd Academy Awards after grappling with the dilemma of attending the event solo.

Recalling the heartwarming gesture, Field reminisces, “Then David said, ‘Well, for God’s sakes, we’ll take you.’

He and Judy orchestrated a grand celebration, picking me up in a limousine and indulging in champagne on the way.

They ensured it was a delightful and enjoyable affair.”

The duo shared a tumultuous relationship spanning five years between the 1970s and 1980s, originating from their encounter on the set of the 1977 film “Smokey and the Bandit.”

Field has been transparent about her turbulent bond with Reynolds in recent times, dubbing him her least favorite on-screen smooch during a 2022 appearance on “Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen.”

Reflecting on their interactions, Field emphasized, “I attempted to overlook it and reason that it was merely an anomaly.

However, it was not his forte.

I could delve further into details, but perhaps it’s best left unsaid.”

Field’s candid revelations extend to her 2018 memoir, “In Pieces,” and subsequent discussions in a Variety interview, shedding light on the adverse impact Reynolds had on her well-being.

Reynolds, who passed away in 2018 at the age of 82, had previously acknowledged Field as the “love of his life” while promoting his 2015 memoir, “But Enough About Me.”

Expressing remorse over their strained dynamic, Reynolds lamented, “I miss her immensely.

It continues to weigh heavily on me.

Regrettably, I allowed my foolishness to overshadow our bond.”

He reiterated his admiration for Field, with whom he co-starred in four films, in an ET interview, underscoring her exceptional talent and deeming her the finest collaborator he had encountered.