The award, which rewards "lasting and impressive contribution to the world of entertainment", has been running since 1951 when Gertrude Lawrence was the winner.

BBC: Zeta Jones won a best supporting actress Oscar for Chicago

When "Private Lives" opened in 1930, he was 30 and Gertrude Lawrence, his co-star, was 32, and their self-evident youth was central to the play's effect.

WSJ: Private Lives | When Coward's Amanda Turns Cougar | Theater Review by Terry Teachout

At one time more famous than Lawrence of Arabia, Gertrude Bell chose to compete on male terms in a masculine world.

NPR: Excerpt: 'Gertrude Bell'

Lawrence kick-started the Arab Revolt, but it was Gertrude who gave the Arabs a route to nationhood.

NPR: Excerpt: 'Gertrude Bell'