Holden was still an unknown actor when he made '' Golden Boy '' , while Stanwyck was already a film star . She liked Holden and went out of her way to help him succeed , devoting her personal time to coaching and encouraging him , which made them into lifelong friends . When she received her Honorary Oscar at the 1982 Academy Award ceremony , Holden had died in an accident just a few months prior . At the end of her acceptance speech , she paid him a personal tribute : " I loved him very much , and I miss him . He always wished that I would get an Oscar . And so tonight , my golden boy , you got your wish "
1982 Academy Award ceremony
54th Academy Awards
William Holden