Hollywood Gold THE STING: How Two Con Men Earned Seven Oscars
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Dec 4, 2024 
David S. Ward, the Oscar-winning screenwriter behind The Sting, shares the riveting story of how the iconic film came to life. He reveals the whirlwind pitch that got Robert Redford on board and the challenges faced during production, including chaotic casting decisions. Ward reflects on the musical debates that shaped the film's famous score and recounts memorable interactions between stars Paul Newman and Redford on set. Dive into the behind-the-scenes drama that helped The Sting snag seven Academy Awards and become a cinematic classic.
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The Journey to The Sting
David S. Ward discussed how he met the agent who helped launch his career. He serendipitously connected with an agent after a fender bender incident involving the agent's wife.
The Nature of Confidence Men
Ward realized that confidence men operate by exploiting people's greed rather than through violence. This unique perspective shaped the narrative of The Sting.
A Unique Pitch
Ward recorded a six-minute pitch for The Sting to present to Robert Redford. This unconventional approach helped secure Redford's interest in the project.