The 33rd Academy Awards ceremony was held on April 17, 1961, at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium in Santa Monica, California. In the Best Picture category, 'The Apartment' emerged as the victor. Directed by Billy Wilder, this film received critical acclaim for its sharp satire and garnered multiple Oscars, including Best Director for Wilder himself. The screenplay, co-written by Wilder and I.A.L. Diamond, showcased a blend of wit and social commentary, earning the film widespread recognition. In the acting categories, Burt Lancaster and Elizabeth Taylor received the coveted awards for Best Actor and Best Actress, respectively. Lancaster's powerful portrayal of Evangelist Elmer Gantry in 'Elmer Gantry' showcased his versatility as an actor, while Taylor's compelling performance in 'Butterfield 8' solidified her status as one of Hollywood's leading actresses.