grey won an academy award for best supporting actor in march 1973 for his performance as the master of ceremonies in the 1972 film version of "cabaret". his victory was part of a "cabaret" near-sweep, which saw liza minnelli win best actress and bob fosse win best director, although it lost the best picture oscar to "the godfather." for that role, grey also won a bafta award for "the most promising newcomer to leading film roles" and best supporting actor awards from the golden globes, kansas city film critics circle, national board of review of motion pictures, national society of film critics, and a tony award for his original stage performance six years prior, making him one of only ten people who have won both a tony award and an academy award for the same role.