Both of our actors which played the Honorable Detective had a modest career playing about 10 years a piece the character of Charlie...Oland was in nothing but a few picture that would be A pictures. At the end of his life his habits had him not to well in the eyes of the Hollywood controllers.
Toler was very much the same doing mostly B pictures and still only a short run as those of Keye Luke doing so much through a long career of 35 plus years.Plus aside for many big picture his run on television was huge (almost 40 years on TV). For an Asian actor that is a large accomplishment. He did a lot of cartoon voices as well.
I was just reading on Wikipedia (I know, I know :) that of about 200 nominations each year, around 20-24 are selected...and only one posthumous award each year.
Among other things the nominee must have"
- Worked 5 years in the award category being considered.
- Have a history of "Charitable Contributions."
- Donate $50,000 for the installation and maintenance of the star
One other thing for deceased members (in case anyone has $50K to throw away): "A relative of deceased recipients must attend posthumous presentations."