There were only two feature films shot in the Dimension 150 process. Scott starred in both of them: The Bible: In the Beginning... (1966) (aka "La Bibbia") and Patton (1970). "Patton", which was released in Cinerama theaters, was the last movie shot in a widescreen format specifically for exhibition on the Cinerama circuit, which featured curved screens. Spectators at the Cinerama showings of "Patton" were awed by the three-dimensional effect of Patton's opening speech, in which Scott as Patton stands by himself on-screen. The scene likely was shot for the purpose of showcasing the Cinerama screen.
Was infamous for his intense, intimidating personality. Julie Christie, who had earlier co-starred with him in Petulia (1968), was rattled by his presence when they appeared together on Broadway in Mike Nichols' all-star production of Anton Chekhov's "Uncle Vanya" in the summer of 1973 (other cast members included Conrad Bain, Lillian Gish, Barnard Hughes, Cathleen Nesbitt and Nicol Williamson in the title role. The play garnered 1974 Tony Award nominations for Nichols for Best Director and Best Actor [Play] nods for Scott and Williamson; Williamson won the 1974 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Performance). Christie also told the press, at the time, that Scott frightened her, something that surprised the actor when he was told of her comment six years later by Lawrence Grobel, who was interviewing Scott for "Playboy" Magazine (December 1980).
Was nominated for a 1996 Tony Award as Best Actor for "Inherit the Wind," but he lost to George Grizzard in "A Delicate Balance." Scott's first Tony nomination was in 1959 as Best Featured Actor in a Play in "Comes a Day." His competition that year was Grizzard, who was nominated in the same category for "The Disenchanted." They were both beaten by Charles Ruggles in "The Pleasure Of His Company."
Was nominated for Broadway's Tony Award five times: as Best Supporting or Featured Actor (Dramatic),in 1959 for "Comes a Day;" as Best Actor (Dramatic), in 1960 for "The Andersonville Trial" and in 1974 for "Uncle Vanya;" and, as Best Actor (Play), in 1976 for a revival of Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" and in 1996 for a revival of "Inherit the Wind." Despite these five nominations, he never won a Tony Award.
Was the first actor ever to refuse an Academy Award (1970, for Patton (1970)). He was followed by Marlon Brando, who also turned down the award for The Godfather (1972). The reason he claimed for missing the ceremony where he won the Oscar was that he was busy watching a hockey game.