Santa Claus is one of the most popular recurring roles in cinema. For decades, too many actors to name have portrayed Santa in a variety of films, from classic holiday flicks to Christmas horror movies. As popular as Santa is in cinema, he has never been a big name at awards shows. On the whole, Oscar nominations for magical/non-human roles are very rare, and Santa Claus is no exception.
Because Santa Claus appears in films so frequently, it’s difficult for actors to put a truly unique spin on the character. However, 78 years ago, one actor achieved the remarkable feat of portraying the only Oscar-winning Santa. In 1947, the original Miracle on 34th Street included an Oscar-winning performance from Edmund Gwenn as Kris Kringle. Although the 1994 remake often overshadows the 1947 version, it’s worth revisiting.
The Story of ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ (1947) - And its ‘90s Remake
The original Miracle on 34th Street tells the strange and magical story of Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn), an elderly man who saves the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade when he fills in for Santa Claus after the original actor becomes intoxicated. He plays the role so well that event planner Doris Walker (Maureen O’Hara) hires him to play Santa regularly at the Macy’s Store on 34th Street in New York City.
Kringle continues to perform phenomenally as Santa, earning shoppers’ respect and loyalty by finding them the best deals in the area for their shopping needs. He also forms a connection with Doris’ daughter, Susan (Natalie Wood), who Doris raised not to believe in Santa. However, things take a strange turn when Doris and others begin to realize that Kringle genuinely believes he is Santa.
What starts as a heartwarming story of a Santa, who goes above and beyond, turns into a courtroom drama as New York City lawyers debate whether to rule that Santa is or isn’t real, and put it upon Kringle to prove he’s the real Santa. It’s a charming, wholesome, and sentimental movie that strives to fend off the cynicism surrounding the holidays and encourage a little belief.
In the ‘90s, director John Hughes set about remaking Miracle on 34th Street. The 1994 version maintains the original’s general plot, though it changes a few details. Macy’s refused to allow the remake to use its name, so Kris Kringle (Richard Attenborough) worked at the fictional Cole’s instead. The film also tackles religious faith alongside its Santa debate and elevates a romantic subplot between Dorey Walker (Elizabeth Perkins) and Bryan Bradford (Dylan McDermott). Although it does a good job of modernizing the tale, it struggles to live up to the original, which most critics and audiences agree was nigh perfection.
What Made Edmund Gwenn’s Santa Oscar-Worthy?
The 1947 Miracle on 34th Street attained high critical acclaim, earning four Oscar nominations and three wins. Among the wins, Gwenn took home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his performance as Kringle. While many actors have portrayed Santa and done so well, I believe Gwenn stands apart because he was the only actor to truly embody the role. As Kris, Gwenn radiated a warmth and wholesomeness difficult to replicate.
It’s a timeless performance with near universal appeal, still effortlessly choking up audiences to this day as viewers see Gwenn interacting with children and infusing the lives of everyone he comes across with a bit of warmth and magic. Even more than a top-notch, emotional performance, Gwenn achieves something that no other Santa has on-screen: embodying the enchantment of Santa so thoroughly that he almost makes the viewers believe he is Santa, too.
At the 20th Academy Awards, when Gwenn won the Oscar, the competition wasn’t even close. The uproarious applause when his name was announced as a nominee confirmed that Hollywood stood behind Gwenn’s Oscar win. After a touching speech he began with, “Whew! Now I know there’s a Santa Claus!”, it was even clearer that he was the perfect actor for the role of Kris Kringle. A lot of actors can act, but it’s something special when an actor can actually make you believe.
Why You Should Watch ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ (1947)
Miracle on 34th Street is a true Christmas classic. If you love timeless classics like A Christmas Story (1983) and It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), you need to add Miracle on 34th Street to your list. Gwenn’s performance alone is enough reason to watch. While opinions may vary, I believe Gwenn is the closest you can get to Santa Claus. He embodies the character like no other, helping infuse the film with its sense of magic.
I especially enjoy how Miracle on 34th Street conveys its message while remaining realistic. It’s lifelike in its exploration of holiday cynicism and commercialization, as well as the corrupt reason one may or may not want to rule Santa Claus as real. However, through its redemption arc of both a child and her mother, it raises a genuine sense of hope and belief that shines through the cynicism.
If you want a Christmas film that tackles an interesting debate about belief in a warm, funny, and heartfelt way, with impeccable performances and a balanced blend of realism and magic, Miracle on 34th Street is a must-see.
