Russell got an Oscar statuette, and when he tried to sell one, the Academy called it an Oscar.
Note, too, I originally said, “awarded,” not “won.” The word was chosen deliberately.
Since no one seems interested, I’ll point out that the fifth Oscar winner to appear in “California Suite” was James Coburn. And, yes, Coburn was in the movie – he plays Smith’s co-star in the film where her character is up for an Oscar, and appears uncredited in a brief clip of the fictional film.
