Sally Field realized Burt Reynolds wasn't her perfect match during their time together. She felt it when she was nominated for an Oscar for "Norma Rae," but Reynolds showed no support. Dave Karger, in his book "50 Oscar Nights," recounts Field's disappointment, especially around the Cannes Film Festival and the Academy Awards.
Karger was surprised by Reynolds' unsupportive attitude during Field's career peak. It signaled to Field that their relationship wouldn't last. She needed someone who would support every aspect of her life.
Reynolds questioned Field's chances at winning an award and declined to be her date for the Oscars. Field described him as unsupportive and not nice during this period. Karger speculates issues of control and jealousy might have played a role in Reynolds' behavior.
Without Reynolds, Field attended the Oscars with David Steinberg and his then-wife, Judy. They turned the occasion into a celebration, complete with a limousine ride and champagne. Field won the Best Actress Oscar, marking a significant moment in her career.
Field and Reynolds' romance ended by 1982. Field's iconic 1985 Oscar speech is often misquoted, a fact that Karger finds unfortunate. Despite the misquote, it remains one of the most memorable in Oscar history.
Field and Reynolds had a complicated relationship since meeting on the set of "Smokey and the Bandit." Reynolds, who passed away in 2018, once said Field was the love of his life. However, in her memoir "In Pieces," Field revealed the controlling nature of their relationship.
Field described their relationship as confusing and hurtful. She was relieved Reynolds couldn't read her memoir, fearing it would cause him pain. On "Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen," Field even admitted Reynolds was her least favorite on-screen kisser, criticizing his technique.