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The Golden Laurel Trophy 1961

Given to Swedish director Ingmar Bergman


To be sold at Uppsala Auktionskammare’s Important Sale Week 10 – 13 June 2025


Lot 524 The Golden Laurel Trophy 1961 Förlänad Ingmar Bergman I form av ett cigarrskrin i sterlingsilver av Garrard & Co, London 1960. Invändigt förgyllt samt klätt med cederträ. Locket besatt med förgylld lagerkrans samt bär gravyren: ”THE GOLDEN LAUREL TROPHY FOUNDED AND PRESENTED BY DAVID O. SELZNICK AND AWARDED BY THE GOLDEN LAUREL JURY TO INGMAR BERGMAN FOR CONSISTENT CONTRIBUTIONS, THROUGH THE CREATION OF MOTION PICTURES OF HIGH ARTISTIC MERIT AND EXTRAORDINARY INSIGT TO MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING AND GOOD WILL AMONG THE PEOPLE OF THE WORLD PRESENTED AT THE XI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL BERLIN JUNE 1961.” Locket invändigt med gravyren: ”MEMBERS OF THE GOLDEN LAUREL JURY. 11TH SERIES. 1961. DR. RALPH J. BUNCHE MR. NORMAN COUSINS MR. GARDNER COWLES MR. JUSTICE WILLIAM O.DOUGLAS MR. JOHN GUNTHER MR. HENRY CABOT LODGE MRS. CLARE BOOTHE LUCE MRS. FRANKLIN. D. ROOSEVELT” Skrinet L 25,5, B 18, H 7,5 cm.

The Golden Laurel Trophy 1961. Given to Swedish director Ingmar Bergman.

Provenance

Regissören Ingmar Bergman (1918‑2007), försåld genom Bukowskis, Ingmar Bergman H022, 24 september 2009, kat. nr 291.
Svensk privatsamling.


The Golden Laurel Trophy, established by legendary American producer David O. Selznick, was conceived as a prestigious honour recognizing exceptional contributions to the art of filmmaking. Selznick, best known for producing cinematic milestones such as Gone with the Wind (1939) and Rebecca (1940), envisioned the award as a means to acknowledge not only Hollywood achievements but also international excellence in cinema.

In 1961, the acclaimed Swedish director Ingmar Bergman was awarded the Golden Laurel Trophy, marking a significant moment in his career and in the global recognition of European auteur cinema. By that time, Bergman had already established himself as a major voice in world cinema through films like The Seventh Seal (1957) and Wild Strawberries (1957), which explored existential themes, spirituality, and human psychology with profound artistry.

The award served as a testament to Bergman’s influence and his growing stature outside of Sweden. Receiving the Golden Laurel from an American institution symbolized a bridging of cinematic cultures and a recognition of the auteur’s deep impact on both critics and filmmakers worldwide. Bergman’s award in 1961 helped solidify his status as one of the most important directors of the 20th century and brought further attention to Scandinavian cinema. The winner of 1960’s Golden Laurel Trophy Satyajit Ray presented the award to Ingmar Bergman. 

The star-studded jury of 1961 held their meetings at the Museum of Modern Art in New York and included:

Clare Boothe Luce (1903–1987) who was a prominent American author, playwright, journalist, and diplomat. Known for her sharp wit and formidable intellect, she rose to national prominence in the 1930s as a writer and editor for Vanity Fair and as the author of the hit Broadway play The Women (1936), a satirical comedy featuring an all-female cast.

In the 1940s, Luce entered politics and became one of the most influential Republican women of her time. She served as a U.S. Congresswoman from Connecticut (1943–1947), where she was a strong advocate for military preparedness during World War II and a vocal anti-communist.

In 1953, President Dwight D. Eisenhower appointed her as U.S. Ambassador to Italy, making her the first American woman to hold a major diplomatic post. Her tenure was marked by strong anti-communist stances and support for NATO.

Clare Boothe Luce was also known for her marriage to publishing magnate Henry Luce, founder of Time, Life, and Fortune magazines. Her legacy is one of trailblazing achievement in politics, literature, and diplomacy, and she remains a symbol of mid-20th-century American conservatism and female empowerment.

Eleanor Roosevelt (1884–1962) was a transformative American political figure, diplomat, and human rights advocate. As First Lady of the United States from 1933 to 1945, during her husband Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidency, she redefined the role by actively engaging in politics, championing civil rights, and speaking out on issues of social justice.

Beyond her tenure as First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt became a key figure on the world stage. She served as a delegate to the United Nations and played a pivotal role in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. Her leadership in humanitarian causes earned her the nickname ”First Lady of the World” from President Harry S. Truman.

Roosevelt was also a prolific writer and speaker, using her newspaper column ”My Day” to reach millions with her views on democracy, equality, and compassion. Her tireless advocacy for marginalized communities and her commitment to international cooperation left a lasting impact on both American society and global human rights.

Gardner Cowles Jr. (1903–1985), known as ”Mike” Cowles, was a prominent American newspaper and magazine publisher. He co-owned the Cowles Media Company, which published the Des Moines Register and the Minneapolis Star and Tribune. In 1937, he co-founded Look magazine, a popular photojournalism publication that rivaled Life magazine in influence and reach.

Cowles was also involved in public service during World War II, working with the U.S. Office of War Information. Politically active, he supported moderate Republican causes and maintained close relationships with figures like Wendell Willkie and Eleanor Roosevelt.

Through his work, Cowles helped shape American media, promoting a mix of visual storytelling and serious journalism that left a lasting mark on 20th-century publishing.

Henry Cabot Lodge Jr. (1902–1985) was an American politician, diplomat, and U.S. senator from Massachusetts. A member of a prominent political family, he was the grandson of Senator Henry Cabot Lodge and continued the family’s legacy of public service.

Lodge served in the U.S. Senate from 1937 to 1944 before resigning to fight in World War II. After the war, he returned to politics and became a leading figure in foreign policy. He was the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations (1953–1960) and later served as ambassador to South Vietnam, West Germany, and the Vatican.

In 1960, he was the Republican vice-presidential candidate running alongside Richard Nixon. Known for his diplomatic skill and strong anti-communist stance, Lodge played a key role in shaping U.S. international relations during the Cold War.

Norman Cousins (1915–1990) was an American journalist, author, and peace advocate best known for his long tenure as editor of Saturday Review, a widely influential magazine covering culture, politics, and literature.

A passionate humanitarian, Cousins was a leading voice for nuclear disarmament and global cooperation. He played a key role in citizen diplomacy during the Cold War, fostering dialogue between the U.S. and the Soviet Union and later contributing to improved U.S.–Japan relations after WWII.

Cousins also became a symbol of the mind-body connection in healing after he recovered from a serious illness using humor, positive thinking, and high doses of vitamin C—chronicled in his bestselling memoir Anatomy of an Illness.

He is remembered as a powerful advocate for peace, compassion, and the healing power of optimism.

Ralph Bunche (1904–1971) was an American diplomat, political scientist, and civil rights advocate. He is best known for his work with the United Nations and was the first African American to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 1950 for mediating the 1949 Arab-Israeli armistice agreements.

A brilliant academic, Bunche earned a Ph.D. in political science from Harvard and helped draft the UN Charter. He played a key role in peacekeeping efforts around the world, including in the Middle East, Congo, and Cyprus.

Bunche was also a strong supporter of civil rights in the U.S., working alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and other leaders. His legacy is that of a trailblazing diplomat who combined intellect, integrity, and a deep commitment to peace and justice.

William O. Douglas (1898–1980) was an American lawyer, professor, and associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Appointed in 1939 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Douglas became one of the longest-serving justices in Supreme Court history, serving for 36 years until his retirement in 1975.

Douglas was known for his strong liberal views, particularly on civil liberties, free speech, and environmental protection. He was a fierce advocate for individual rights and played a pivotal role in expanding the scope of the First Amendment and establishing environmental law.

He was also an outspoken critic of government overreach, particularly during the McCarthy era, and a staunch defender of the rights of marginalized groups. His tenure on the Court left a lasting legacy in both constitutional law and environmental protection.

John Gunther (1901–1970) was an American journalist, author, and political analyst best known for his series of books called Inside Europe, Inside Asia, and Inside U.S.A., which provided in-depth, accessible accounts of various countries during the 1930s and 1940s.

Gunther’s writings blended travel, political analysis, and personal observation, offering readers a unique perspective on global events and cultures. His work was influential during his time, particularly in the realms of political reporting and international affairs.

He also wrote several other books, including a biography of Franklin D. Roosevelt, and contributed regularly to The New York Times, Life, and The New Yorker. Gunther’s ability to simplify complex political and social situations for a wide audience made him one of the most widely read writers of his era.

The silver box is kept in its original red box marked Garrard & Co below Royal Warrant. 


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