Fonda, Hackman and ‘The French Connection’ win top Oscars 40 years ago tonight (1972)

(Monday, April 10, 1972)The French Connection, a hard-hitting, fast-paced tale of crime detection in New York City, was named Best Picture of 1971 tonight at the 44th Academy Awards at Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Los Angeles. The film’s director, William Friedkin, was named Best Director.

Jane Fonda, the stylist, wily call girl of Klute and Gene Hackman, the relentless narcotics cop of The French Connection won top actor honors.  The best original song award went to the “Theme From ‘Shaft.'”