Imitation of Life is a 1934 American romantic drama movie directed by John M. Stahl and was based on the 1933 novel of the same name by Fannie Hurst. It stars Claudette Colbert, Warren William, Rochelle Hudson, Ned Sparks, Louise Beavers, Alan Hale Sr. and was distributed by Universal Pictures. It was nominated for 3 Academy Awards in 1935.