The Pianist Roman Polanski was not present at the awards ceremony, being a fugitive from U.S. justice since fleeing the country in 1978. Presenter Harrison Ford accepted the award on his behalf.
Boyz n the Hood John Singleton became the youngest director and the very first African-American in cinema history ever to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Director.
The Sound of Music Robert Wise couldn't attend the award ceremony, as he was busy filming The Sand Pebbles (1966) in Hong Kong. Best Actress nominee Julie Andrews accepted the award on his behalf.
Mrs. Miniver William Wyler was not present at the awards ceremony because he was overseas shooting for the Army Air Force. His wife Margaret Tallichet on his behalf.