Debbie Reynolds was nominated for an Oscar.
The Academy Awards , now known officially as the Oscars , is a set of twenty-four awards for artistic and technical merit in the American film industry , given annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences ( AMPAS ) , to recognize excellence in cinematic achievements as assessed by the Academy 's voting membership . Debbie Reynolds . She was nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Most Promising Newcomer for her portrayal of Helen Kane in the 1950 film Three Little Words , and her breakout role was her first leading role , as Kathy Selden in Singin ' in the Rain ( 1952 ) . Her performance as Brown earned her a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress . The Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award is awarded periodically by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences ( AMPAS ) at the Governors Awards ceremonies for an individual 's outstanding contributions to humanitarian causes .