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HistoryCentral Est. 1996
8620th C.
1986
The 20th Century Almanac · The Eighties

1986

Major Events · Sports · Music · Screen · Prizes

The Chernobyl nuclear reactor exploded in Ukraine, spewing radiation across Europe, and the shuttle Challenger disintegrated shortly after launch, killing its seven astronauts. People Power toppled Marcos in the Philippines as the Iran-Contra affair broke; Platoon won Best Picture.

A Year in Review
Best Picture
Out of Africa
Nobel · Literature
—
World Series
New York Mets vs. Boston Red Sox Series:
No. 1 Song
That's What Friends Are For
Top TV
—
Academy · Actor
Paul Newman

Major Events of 1986

9 events
Soviets free Natan ScharanskyNuclear disaster at ChernobylSummit at ReykjavikSpain and Portugal enter the common mMarcos flees the PhilippinesUS planes attack TripoliSpace Shuttle Challenger explodes in midairIran Contra AffairUS responds to Libyan terror

Sports Highlights

Champions of 1986

Champions

NBABoston Celtics vs. Houston Rockets Series: 4-2
NCAA FootballPenn State Record: 12-0-0
Heisman TrophyVinny Testaverde, miami-fl, QB points: 2,213
Stanley CupMontreal Canadiens vs. Calgary Flames Series: 4-1 Super Bowl XX: Chicago Bears vs. New England Patriots Score: 46-10 US Open Golf: Ray Floyd Score: 279 Course: Shinnecock Hills GC Location: Southhampton, NY
World CupArgentina vs. West Germany Score: 3-2
World SeriesNew York Mets vs. Boston Red Sox Series: 4-3

Top Music of 1986

The year on the charts

Top Songs

  1. That's What Friends Are For Dionne Warwick and Friends
  2. How Will I Know Whitney Houston
  3. Kryie Mr. Mister
  4. Sara Starship
  5. These Dreams Heart
  6. Rock Me Amadeus Flaco
  7. Kiss Prince
  8. Addicted to Love Robert Palmer
  9. West End Girls Pet Shop Boys
  10. Greatest Love of All Whitney Houston

Grammy Awards

Record of the Year
"Higher Love" ... Steve Winwood
Song of the Year
"That's What Friends Are For" ... Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager Best Album:"Graceland" ... Paul Simon Male Vocalist: Steve Winwood ... "Higher Love" Female Vocalist:Barbra Streisand ... "The Broadway Album"

Screen & Television

At the box office & on the air

Top Movies

  1. Aliens
  2. An American Tail
  3. Back to School
  4. Cobra
  5. The Color of Money
  6. The Color Purple
  7. Crocodile Dundee
  8. Down and Out in Beverly Hills
  9. Ferris Bueller's Day Off
  10. The Golden Child

Academy Awards

Honoring 1986
Best Picture
Out of Africa
Best Director
Sydney Pollack
Out of Africa
Best Actor
Paul Newman
The Color of Money
Best Actress
Marlee Matlin
Children of a Lesser God

Nobel & Pulitzer Prizes

The year in letters & science

Pulitzer Prizes

Drama
Larry McMurtry ... "Lonesome Dove"
History
Walter A. McDougall ... "The Heavens and the Earth" International Reporting: Lewis M. Simons, Pete Carey & Katherine Ellison ... "San Jose (CA) Mercury News" National Reporting:Arthur Howe ... "Philadelphia Inquirer Craig Flournoy & George Rodrigue ... "Dallas Morning News"
Public Service
"Denver Post"