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Michael Douglas says Glenn Close ‘should have won’ the Oscar over Cher for ‘Fatal Attraction’
Michael Douglas has said Glenn Close “should have won” the best actress Oscar for *Fatal Attraction*, reopening discussion of the 1988 award. Close was nominated for her role in the 1987 thriller, but Cher won for *Moonstruck*.
Douglas made the remark while appearing with Close on *The Graham Norton Show*, where they discussed her upcoming honorary Academy Award. He praised her performance as one of the greatest in film history; Cher’s representative said the singer “adores Michael Douglas”. *Fatal Attraction* received six Oscar nominations, including best picture.
In short
- Douglas says Close deserved the 1988 best actress Oscar.
- Cher won for *Moonstruck*.
- Cher’s representative said she adores Douglas.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Close’s performance was central to Fatal Attraction’s impact, and her intense, psychologically complex portrayal gave the thriller much of its lasting force. Supporters may feel that its range and cultural influence merited the award, and that Douglas’s view reflects a thoughtful appreciation of her work.
The case against
Cher’s win for Moonstruck was also defensible: she led a warmly received, distinctive performance that helped anchor the film’s mix of romance and comedy. The Oscar recognises achievement across different kinds of roles, and preferring Cher’s work does not diminish Close’s performance or legacy.