Oscar Winning Males Three Times More Likely to Divorce in First Year

A new study published in the journal Organization Science suggests male Oscar winners are three times more likely to divorce during their first year of marriage compared with their non-nominated peers.

Michael Jensen, lead author of the study and strategy professor at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business, said:

"We always think about status and moving up as something good, but we also observed all the misery that comes with certain dramatic increases in status."

After creating a statistical model representing the professional and personal lives of over a thousand leading actors and actresses between 1930 and 2005, the researchers came to the conclusion that the so-called "Oscar curse" was just a Hollywood myth.

For the unaware, the "Oscar curse" represents a superstition spanning decades in Hollywood that winning an Oscar could actually destroy your career as an actor or actress. Previous Oscar winners who have seen their popularity wane since winning the prestigious award include Adrien Brody, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow.

In contrast, female Oscar winners and nominees didn't seem to be affected, with statistics showing the rate of divorce remaining steady alongside other leading actresses. However, the study is almost nearly as damaging for male runners-up of the award, with nominees twice as likely to divorce from their partners within the first year.

"It kind of creates this dilemma for men. The bottom line is, if you're thinking purely professionally, go ahead and win all you can. But if you're thinking about your personal life, then pause for a moment," Jensen said.

If you are considering divorce, contact our divorce solicitors on 01625 522 429 for advice.

Richardson Law

Divorce Solicitors