Well....most reports, at the time from newspapers, etc, seemed to think it was because of the suicide attempt. Most critics thought Susan had it 'bagged' and on it's way home with her...long before the awards were presented!

But in those days, a little 'bad publicity' went a long way and many were stunned that she had been so low and suicidal.

Of course, this movie has to be probally her best work, eventhough her other nomintaed films were all great too!

Like all of Susan's films, there are too many to say which were the 'favorite' ones...but I will always remember when she comes in the room, to find her mother, talking to her lifelong love...trying to discourage him from getting involved with Lillian any further. Danton...sugggests that they ask HER what she really wants....and then Susan responds that she wants...what HE wants...going against mother!

Her scene backstage, when she is going on drunk and stumbling...in that gutsy voice..'HERE WE GO AGAIN!'
and then the song...HAPPINESS IS JUST A THING CALLED JOE...as she leans, drunk against the piano. Gosh, what a performance.

and....the most heartwrenching scene, when she is no longer the 'star'...in the bar..and is reconized as the star Lillian Roth...This scene gives me chills each time I see it..."my name is Lillian Roth and I'm eleven years old...." The drunks all laugh...she joins in the laughing...in a half-crazed sense..half child..then woman...then..insane drunk..ALL IN ONE LAUGH...

NOT WINNING THE OSCAR...was the most 'cruel' mistake that the Academy could have done to her! She was at the TOP of her fourm. You just don't get any better than Susan was in this film! It's just not possible!

She played every factor of an actress in this film.

They did it to JUDY GARLAND with A STAR IS BORN. Then to SUSAN in I'LL CRY TOMORROW. Maybe that's what Judy and Susan had in common, when Susan came to the aide of VALLEY OF THE DOLLS...By demanding that they pay JUDY her FULL SALARY...or she would not do the film.

THey had this in common...They had both done their BEST WORK...and had been SHUNNED for it! NOW...IT'S TIME TO PAY THE PIPER...20TH CENTURY FOX!!! eRROL