89 Best Picture Academy Award winners. Votes came in thick and fast over the two month window. Bloggers, journalists, film critics, movie buffs, Oscarologists, et al. You all voted for your favorites, or what you considered the best, and the results are now here. A huge, huge thank you to all that got busy ticking boxes. There were no campaign ads or screeners here.
I will say many of these are ranked lower than perhaps they ought to be because, well, folk have just not seen some of the very oldest winners. That’s the way it crumbles, cookie-wise. Just look at the films that could have won each year. What a list that would have been. And there will be placings of movies that will be painful to see no doubt. The trick, is not minding that it hurts.
So, take a look at the results, all 89 Best Picture winners ranked from worst to best. Round up the usual suspects. Tell your friends. Share with your Oscar-mad peers. If you make it to the end, I guess you are the real winner. And please throw your comments below. Fasten your seat-belts. It’s going to be a bumpy night.
CONTINUE – Part I: The Impenetrable Cloak
89) The Greatest Show on Earth (1952)
In A Nutshell
No symbolism intended of the forgettable film’s Oscar night triumph. The story aptly includes ‘life’s a circus’ nonsense, folk flying from one obstacle to the next, and a clown that doesn’t take off his make-up.
Could Have Been
High Noon; The Quiet Man
Not Even Nominated
Rashomon; The Bad and the Beautiful; Singin’ in the Rain
88) Cimarron (1930/31)
In A Nutshell
Oklahoma-set western of sorts. A rare golden guy win for RKO Pictures. Ticking many familiar Academy alluring boxes. And a huge budget for its time to boot.
Could Have Been
The Front Page
Not Even Nominated
Dracula; Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde; City Lights
87) The Broadway Melody (1928/29)
In A Nutshell
A novelty back then, this had dance numbers and sound. A musical to start the sporadic trend of the Best Picture shining of the genre. With producer Irving Thalberg to be an award himself decades later. The only film to win Best Picture and nothing else.
Could Have Been
In Old Arizona; The Patriot
Not Even Nominated
Pandora’s Box; Coquette; The Passion of Joan of Arc
86) Cavalcade (1932/33)
In A Nutshell
Based on his play, Noël Coward would get top billing over any acting or producing talent. A semi-historical picture with New Year’s bookends.
Could Have Been
A Farewell to Arms
Not Even Nominated
Duck Soup; King Kong; Footlight Parade
85) Going My Way (1944)
In A Nutshell
More sing-song, this time from Bing Crosby, winning the Oscar for Best Actor. Barry Fitzgerald lost to his co-star there. But won for Supporting Actor. Come again? We change the rules. Okay. The sequel, The Bells of St. Mary’s, would also contend for gold the following year.
Could Have Been
Double Indemnity
Not Even Nominated
Laura; Meet Me in St. Louis; Lifeboat
84) Around the World in 80 Days (1956)
In A Nutshell
Based on the Jules Verne novel, as if you didn’t know, the film also features footage from Georges Méliès’ 1902 film A Trip to the Moon. In this adventure, Phileas Fogg and Passepartout are on a trip far more down to Earth. Shirley MacLaine is in this too. Yes she is.
Could Have Been
Friendly Persuasion; Giant; The King and I; The Ten Commandments
Not Even Nominated
The Searchers; The Bad Seed; All That Heaven Allows; War and Peace; Baby Doll
83) The Great Ziegfeld (1936)
In A Nutshell
William Powell is the main man in the fictional retelling of Florenz Ziegfeld, Jr. Cinematic to say the least, was known back then for its extensive set and costume decoration. Not to mention some breakthrough choreography. It has, though, not aged particularly well. Luise Rainer won the first of back-to-back Best Actress Oscars.
Could Have Been
Anthony Adverse
Not Even Nominated
Modern Times; Sabotage; Swing Time
82) Tom Jones (1963)
In A Nutshell
Not in any way a biopic of the Welsh music artist. Though the man’s popularity is comparable. Practically the whole cast were Oscar nominated (but not Susannah York!). Tony Richardson’s period romp was a minor blip in the flourishing Best Picture winners of the 1960s.
Could Have Been
Cleopatra
Not Even Nominated
The Leopard; The Great Escape; Hud; The Birds; 8½
81) The Life of Emile Zola (1937)
In A Nutshell
Another biographical motion picture to take the top prize in the early years of AMPAS. This may now be remembered for some suspected scandal rather than a respected take on the life of the Nobel Prize nominated writer.
Could Have Been
A Star is Born
Not Even Nominated
The Hurricane; Nothing Sacred; Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
80) Gentleman’s Agreement (1947)
In A Nutshell
A journalism movie is rarely a Best Picture winner. The 1947 film dealt with issues of exposing antisemitism. Elia Kazan would be no stranger to controversy eventually. This won him the first of his two Best Director Oscars.
Could Have Been
Great Expectations; Miracle on 34th Street
Not Even Nominated
Black Narcissus; Beauty and the Beast; A Double Life
79) Gigi (1958)
In A Nutshell
The My Fair Lady of Best Picture winners. Until My Fair Lady won of course. This is romnantic, this is musical, this is gloriously elegant. Not favored as a great Best Picture winner, Vincente Minnelli’s production won 9 Oscars, the record highest wins. Until Ben Hur the very next year of course.
Could Have Been
The Defiant Ones
Not Even Nominated
Touch of Evil; Vertigo; I Want to Live!
78) You Can’t Take It With You (1938)
In A Nutshell
Notable for establishing Frank Capra as the golden boy of directing in pre-war cinema. Comedy depicting an unlikely romance. This was Capra’s third Best Director Oscar in the 1930s.
Could Have Been
The Adventures of Robin Hood
Not Even Nominated
Angels with Dirty Faces; Bringing Up Baby; Holiday
77) Oliver! (1968)
In A Nutshell
Gold, Glorious Gold for Carol Reed and the diverse musical ensemble. One of the lesser respected musical winners judging by it’s placing here. The Charles Dickens adaptation is largely considered to be something of a treasure.
Could Have Been
The Lion in Winter
Not Even Nominated
Belle de Jour; 2001: A Space Odyssey; The Battle of Algiers; Rosemary’s Baby; The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
76) Hamlet (1948)
In A Nutshell
Sir Laurence Olivier directed, produced, adapted the play, and played the prince himself. Some claim the Shakespearean text was butchered somewhat. Kenneth Branagh, who artistically emulated Olivier to extent, would fully adapt the play in his 4-hour version, with nowhere near the Oscar success.
Could Have Been
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre
Not Even Nominated
The Bicycle Thief; Joan of Arc; The Lady From Shanghai; Letter from an Unknown Woman
75) Crash (2005)
In A Nutshell
Directed by a scientologist, revamped by Lionsgate, and aided by homophobia elsewhere. One of the worst Original Screenplay winners too. Much life lessons from an ensemble going heavy with the cultural stereotypes and collectively claiming they are not racist, but…
Could Have Been
Brokeback Mountain
Not Even Nominated
King Kong; Memoirs of a Geisha; Walk the Line
74) All the King’s Men (1949)
In A Nutshell
Political corruption and personal struggles collide in the adaptation of the Robert Penn Warren novel. The film was touted to have a noir feel, given its dark nature.
Could Have Been
The Heiress
Not Even Nominated
Come to the Stable; The Fallen Idol; She Wore a Yellow Ribbon
73) Mrs. Miniver (1942)
In A Nutshell
Made during World War II, this was William Wyler’s first of three Oscars for Best Director (and entries on this very list). A war time drama that has a woman at the center of the story. The film won both Actress Oscars to boot.
Could Have Been
The Pride of the Yankees
Not Even Nominated
The Man Who Came to Dinner; Now, Voyager; Bambi
72) Grand Hotel (1931/32)
In A Nutshell
Another producing victory for Irving Thalberg. And with the great Greta Garbo at the center of the pandemonium. This film is unique for winning the one Academy Award it was nominated for – Best Picture.
Could Have Been
The Champ
Not Even Nominated
Frankenstein; Red Dust; Scarface
71) Argo (2012)
In A Nutshell
Something about becoming a hero by making a lousy film during troubled times. Ben Affleck didn’t even need a Best Director for this. Was much more valued before the Oscar politics kicked in.
Could Have Been
Lincoln; The Life of Pi
Not Even Nominated
The Master; Moonrise Kingdom; Skyfall
70) Chariots of Fire (1981)
In A Nutshell
Glory of the little people runs warm with the Academy on many an occasions. The little Brit flick that could. But it was composer Vangelis who scored big, pretty much wining all the film’s Oscars.
Could Have Been
Raiders of the Lost Ark; Reds
Not Even Nominated
Ragtime; Body Heat; My Dinner with Andre
69) Out of Africa (1985)
In A Nutshell
The Sydney Pollack epic that would inspire his future buddy Anthony Minghella to pay homage and win Best Picture too. God rest both their souls. And as polite as he is, don’t ask Spielberg about this Oscar year.
Could Have Been
The Color Purple; Prizzi’s Honor
Not Even Nominated
Ran; Blood Simple; Back to the Future
CONTINUE – Part II: Perilous Voyage To An Unknown Land
68) A Man for All Seasons (1966)
In A Nutshell
On the back of High Noon and From Here to Eternity, director Fred Zinnemann was the man for awards season. This was the battle of two films, one color, one black and white. Acclaimed, sure, but was this nominated in every singe eligible category that year?
Could Have Been
Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
Not Even Nominated
Blowup; Georgy Girl; Persona
67) A Beautiful Mind (2001)
In A Nutshell
The year the Academy were so desparate to reward Ron Howard who had perhaps earned “owed” status from 1995’s mishaps. Nothing genius about that. But Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly excelled given the corny dialogue.
Could Have Been
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Not Even Nominated
Amelie; Mulholland Drive; Black Hawk Down
66) Marty (1955)
In A Nutshell
See, even short, self-critical losers and melancholic house-cats can find love. And win Best Actor for it. Ernest would offer his homophobic viewpoints 50 years later to help deny one of the all-time Best Picture losers.
Could Have Been
The Rose Tattoo
Not Even Nominated
The Wages of Fear; East of Eden; Bad Day at Black Rock
65) How Green Was My Valley (1941)
In A Nutshell
One of the very first Best Picture winners to acquire a bad rep based on the film it beats. Orson Welles is defeated by John Ford – winning one of his four Oscars for Best Director. This was, though, the only one of those that also won Best Picture.
Could Have Been
Citizen Kane
Not Even Nominated
Dumbo; Fantasia; High Sierra
64) Mutiny on the Bounty (1935)
In A Nutshell
All aboard the HMS Bounty. Look at him. Look at him. William Bligh is your captain now. His cruel, brutal treatment of others eventually results in the mutiny of the title.
Could Have Been
The Informer
Not Even Nominated
The 39 Steps; A Night at the Opera; Bride of Frankenstein
63) The King’s Speech (2010)
In A Nutshell
You can’t spell royal without oral. The King’s troubles of the tongue are resolved in a Rush. The right man for the job, Geoffrey of course had already won an Oscar for stammering. Quite.
Could Have Been
The Social Network
Not Even Nominated
How to Train Your Dragon; The Town; Animal Kingdom
62) Driving Miss Daisy (1989)
In A Nutshell
Bruce Beresford’s disappearance from the awards race and Jessica Tandy’s veteran status won over the sentimental two-thirds of the Academy. While Morgan Freeman did all the damn driving.
Could Have Been
Born on the Fourth of July
Not Even Nominated
Glory; The Abyss; The Fabulous Baker Boys; Crimes and Misdemeanors; Henry V; The Little Mermaid; Do the Right Thing
61) Braveheart (1995)
In A Nutshell
Aussie Scot defeats the English. Beds a French princess after his beloved is beheaded. Dons blue face paint. And would rather be ripped apart than swallow his pride. Stubborn that Mel Gibson.
Could Have Been
Sense and Sensibility; Apollo 13
Not Even Nominated
Dead Man Walking; The Usual Suspects; Leaving Las Vegas; Seven; Heat; Nixon; Toy Story; Crimson Tide; Richard III
60) Wings (1927/28)
In A Nutshell
Way too low on this list. A true marvel in story-telling and technical prowess given the time. One of Christoper Nolan’s go-to movies this year. I assume. And Clara Bow, be still my beating heart.
Could Have Been
Sunrise; 7th Heaven
Not Even Nominated
Metropolis; The Jazz Singer; The General; The Circus
59) Ordinary People (1980)
In A Nutshell
The one directed by an actor that beat Scorsese. Ten years before that one directed by an actor, that, well, beat Scorsese. With that young kid winning an acting Oscar amidst a cast of pedigrees.
Could Have Been
Raging Bull
Not Even Nominated
The Empire Strikes Back; The Shining; Fame; The Stunt Man; My Brilliant Career
58) Gandhi (1982)
In A Nutshell
The life and times of Mohandas Gandhi, India’s stubborn ambassador for peace. The British-ruled India I might add. An enduring picture by Richard Attenborough, with a terrific Ben Kingsley.
Could Have Been
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Not Even Nominated
Lola; Das Boot; Blade Runner; Victor/Victoria
57) An American in Paris (1951)
In A Nutshell
Gene Kelly heads the Best Picture winning musical story of two men, one woman (no, not that one). Leslie Caron’s feature debut, teaming with director Vincente Minnelli for the first of two Best Picture ventures.
Could Have Been
A Streetcar Named Desire
Not Even Nominated
The African Queen; Strangers on a Train; Alice in Wonderland
56) Patton (1970)
In A Nutshell
The depiction of General Patton during World War II. Famous for the iconic American flag background to the opening speech. But also, for Best Actor winner George C. Scott declining his award, so no speech there.
Could Have Been
MASH
Not Even Nominated
Claire’s Knee; Women in Love; Fellini Satyricon; Tora! Tora! Tora!
55) The Artist (2011)
In A Nutshell
Silent cinema makes a comeback. The Academy honored the film for its genuine quality and appeal, but also for that homage to early filmmaking. Somewhat disrespected for its win, nonetheless, silence is golden on this occasion.
Could Have Been
Hugo
Not Even Nominated
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo; Bridesmaids; A Separation
54) Shakespeare in Love (1998)
In A Nutshell
Proof that Miramax was the most powerful force in the filmiverse. That Shakespeare was actually young once. And that Gwyneth Paltrow made a decent boy. Who cries like a baby when she gets what she doesn’t deserve.
Could Have Been
Saving Private Ryan
Not Even Nominated
Gods and Monsters; The Truman Show; Central Station; Out of Sight
53) My Fair Lady (1964)
In A Nutshell
Audrey Hepburn gets a make-over. A classic American musical based on the stage show from the George Bernard Shaw play Pygmalion. No Oscar nod for Hepburn, likewise the Cockney in the companion piece Mary Poppins. Their respective leads won the Acting awards.
Could Have Been
Mary Poppins
Not Even Nominated
A Hard Day’s Night; The Unsinkable Molly Brown; Marnie
52) Dances with Wolves (1990)
In A Nutshell
A far worse rep than it deserves, Kevin Costner helped bring epic filmmaking back on the Academy agenda. Because they could not bring themselves to reward a bad-guy masterpiece. John Barry, though, you the man.
Could Have Been
Goodfellas
Not Even Nominated
Dick Tracy; Cyrano de Bergerac; The Grifters; Reversal of Fortune; Edward Scissorhands
51) The English Patient (1996)
In A Nutshell
A far worse rep than it deserves, Anthony Minghellar helped bring epic filmmaking back on the Academy agenda. Because they could not bring themselves to reward a bad-guy masterpiece. Gabriel Jared, though, you the man.
Could Have Been
Fargo
Not Even Nominated
Evita; Hamlet; Trainspotting; The People vs. Larry Flynt; Lone Star
50) The Sting (1973)
In A Nutshell
Butch Cassidy and Sundance reunite with director George Roy Hill, to play con artists looking to get one over on a crime boss. The film’s huge success of seven Oscar wins says a lot about how the Academy were afraid to honor horror.
Could Have Been
The Exorcist
Not Even Nominated
Serpico; Mean Streets; The Long Goodbye; The Way We Were; Badlands; Don’t Look Now
CONTINUE – Part III: A Drop Of Golden Sun
49) The Last Emperor (1987)
In A Nutshell
An Academy Award Best Picture blueprint right here. Epic, beautiful, biographical, historical, lavishly produced in all departments. The life of the title character Puyi is told through four different actors. Thousands of extras used. Nine Oscar wins – every one it was nominated for.
Could Have Been
Moonstruck
Not Even Nominated
My Life as a Dog; Au revoir les enfants; Empire of the Sun; The Untouchables; Full Metal Jacket; Jean de Florette
48) Chicago (2002)
In A Nutshell
Some exquisitely executed set-pieces don’t really make this familiar musical a big screen classic. On the verge of war, were America looking for some razzle-dazzle relief a la post World War II?
Could Have Been
The Pianist
Not Even Nominated
Frida; Road to Perdition; Talk to Her
47) Rain Man (1988)
In A Nutshell
The dramatization of Twins, this time Danny and Arnie are Dustin and Tom. Genius though, Ray can cheat at poker, count a bunch of toothpicks, and announce his farts.
Could Have Been
Dangerous Liaisons
Not Even Nominated
A Fish Called Wanda; The Last Temptation of Christ; The Accused; Who Framed Roger Rabbit; Big; Die Hard
46) Million Dollar Baby (2004)
In A Nutshell
So you wanna be a boxer, wanna be the champ? There’s a golden girl inside you, not a punched-out tramp. Clint Eastwood delivers the underdog, then rips our hearts out. Tough ain’t enough.
Could Have Been
Sideways; The Aviator
Not Even Nominated
Vera Drake; Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind; The Incredibles
45) From Here to Eternity (1953)
In A Nutshell
Fred Zinnemann again. With a remarkable, big-hitting cast, Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift, Deborah Kerr, and Supporting Acting Oscar winners Frank Sinatra and Donna Reed. Surprisingly low on this list given its stature.
Could Have Been
Roman Holiday
Not Even Nominated
Lili; Stalag 17; I Confess
44) The Lost Weekend (1945)
In A Nutshell
One of just two films that have won the top picture prizes at Cannes and with AMPAS. Ray Milland won Best Actor for playing a writer with a drinking problem. Relatable?
Could Have Been
The Bells of St. Mary’s
Not Even Nominated
The Southerner; National Velvet; Leave Her to Heaven
43) Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)
In A Nutshell
Ted is prospering at work, but Joanna announces she is leaving him. WIth Billy, their son, staying with Ted, a turbulent, then bonding relationship ensues. Joanna returns for custody of Billy, but realizes his home is with his father.
Could Have Been
All That Jazz
Not Even Nominated
The Marriage of Maria Braun; Picnic at Hanging Rock; La Cage aux Folles; The China Syndrome; Alien; …And Justice for All; Being There; Manhattan
42) Gladiator (2000)
In A Nutshell
Welcome back to the Roman epic. Even Charlton Heston attended the Oscars. But it was Russell Crowe’s surprise Best Actor win that made it so. You would think, though, that to take Best Picture, winning Oscars for Film Editing, Adapted Screenplay, Supporting Actor, and Directing would be good indicators.
Could Have Been
Traffic
Not Even Nominated
Almost Famous; Billy Elliot; Quills; Wonder Boys; You Can Count On Me; Dancer in the Dark
41) Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
In A Nutshell
A gem of a winner, realistically had no competition. What over-shadowed a perfectly deserved win for Best Picture? Was it all the talk of The Reader sneaking in, and The Dark Knight missing out? Yes. Final answer? Yes. Lock kiya-jaye.
Could Have Been
Nothing nominated
Not Even Nominated
The Dark Knight; WALL-E; Doubt; Revolutionary Road
40) Terms of Endearment (1983)
In A Nutshell
The turbulent relationship of a mother and daughter over the decades. A film were I coincidentally find I have something in my eye each time I watch it.
Could Have Been
The Right Stuff
Not Even Nominated
Silkwood; Fanny and Alexander; Zelig
39) In the Heat of the Night (1967)
In A Nutshell
Having recently made history by winning the Best Actor Oscar, the first black man to do so, Sidney Poitier slaps a white racist man in retiation. You could hear the gasps. They call him Mr. Tibbs.
Could Have Been
Bonnie and Clyde; Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner; The Graduate
Not Even Nominated
In Cold Blood; Thoroughly Modern Millie; The Jungle Book
38) Rocky (1976)
In A Nutshell
Sylvester Stallone’s underdog gem. The one were Rocky loses. It’s the taking part that counts. Plus it is the start of a beautiful friendship. The real victory is having that mutual love declaration with the pet shop girl.
Could Have Been
Network
Not Even Nominated
Seven Beauties; Carrie; The Omen; The Tenant
37) Platoon (1986)
In A Nutshell
Charlie Sheen, not long a man, heads off into the Vietnam War jungle, to complete his manhood. It’s a harrowing journey though, in typically brutal Oliver Stone fashion. Made all the more poignant by Adagio for Strings.
Could Have Been
Hannah and Her Sisters
Not Even Nominated
Blue Velvet; Salvador; Aliens; Manhunter
36) Ben-Hur (1959)
In A Nutshell
Roberto Benigni remembers seeing the grand ruH-neB as a youngster, not knowing then that the movie projection was the wrong way around. Ben Hur is more famous though for deftifying chariot races, and winning a record-breaking 11 Oscars.
Could Have Been
The Diary of Anne Frank
Not Even Nominated
Some Like It Hot; Pillow Talk; North by Northwest; The 400 Blows
35) The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)
In A Nutshell
William Wyler again, 15 years prior. The film tackles the aftermath of war, as three servicemen return home to aclimnatize to their old lives. Critically and commercially, one of the most successful films of that era.
Could Have Been
It’s a Wonderful Life
Not Even Nominated
The Children of Paradise; Rome, Open City; The Big Sleep; Brief Encounter; Duel in the Sun; Notorious
34) Forrest Gump (1994)
In A Nutshell
The whimsical chronicle of the United States of America in the twentieth century. From the point of view of a simple man, who knows what love is. Extremely sentimental, flourishing, emotive, somewhat pandering at times – you can still see exactly why it won.
Could Have Been
Pulp Fiction
Not Even Nominated
Bullets over Broadway; Three Colors: Red; The Lion King; The Madness of King George; Legends of the Fall; Little Women
33) All Quiet on the Western Front (1929/30)
In A Nutshell
One of the most acclaimed films of those early bird Oscar Best Picture winners. And a war film held in very high esteem. Lewis Milestone was the first to win Best Director for a Best Picture victor. A trend that would last.
Could Have Been
The Love Parade
Not Even Nominated
The Cocoanuts; Applause; Anna Christie
32) The Hurt Locker (2009)
In A Nutshell
A film of war not quite like any other, Kathryn Bigelow became the first woman to actually win Best Director. A satisfying win historically, but made much sweeter that she defeated her ex-husband James Cameron of all people.
Could Have Been
Avatar
Not Even Nominated
Star Trek; Fantastic Mr. Fox; The White Ribbon
31) The Sound of Music (1965)
In A Nutshell
Robert Wise returns to the podium, winning Best Director fours years after West Side Story. And over twenty years since being nominated for editing Citizen Kane. Back to the hills alive with the sound of music, Julie Andrews delivers ample portions of love and music to the von Trapp family.
Could Have Been
Doctor Zhivago
Not Even Nominated
Contempt; Cat Ballou; The Umbrellas of Cherbourg
30) Titanic (1997)
In A Nutshell
James Cameron’s monumental triumph. The RMS Titanic is the venue for a classic love story. We all know how it ends though. Rose tells Jack she will never let him go. And then does so. He drowns, and she goes on to live a very, very long, happy life.
Could Have Been
L.A. Confidential
Not Even Nominated
Amistad; Kundun; The Wings of the Dove; Boogie Nights; Mrs Brown; The Sweet Hereafter; The Ice Storm
29) Birdman (2014)
In A Nutshell
Michael Keaton plays it tongue in cheek as he revisits the superhero alter-ego. The film also pokes fun at the industry, actors, film critics – and the Academy love it. A Mexican wins Best Director again.
Could Have Been
Boyhood; The Grand Budapest Hotel
Not Even Nominated
Foxcatcher; Gone Girl; Ida
CONTINUE – Part IV: A Single Note, Hanging There, Unwavering
28) American Beauty (1999)
In A Nutshell
Annette Bening likes being nailed by the King. Thora Birch will not pass the asparagus. Wes Bentley films dead birds and plastic bags. Allison Janney apologizes for how things look. Chris Cooper comes out. Mena Suvari is very, very dirty.
Could Have Been
The Cider House Rules
Not Even Nominated
All About My Mother; Toy Story 2; The Talented Mr. Ripley; The Matrix; Being John Malkovich; Magnolia; Fight Club
27) Spotlight (2015)
In A Nutshell
The Spotlight team at the Boston Globes uncover all manner of unsavoury behavior by priests. Powerful, relevant, and about time a film of this nature, journalism, took the big prize. Especially given the heavyweights also in contention.
Could Have Been
The Big Short; Mad Max: Fury Road; The Revenant
Not Even Nominated
Carol; Star Wars: The Force Awakens; Sicario; Ex Machina; Inside Out
26) The French Connection (1971)
In A Nutshell
A crooks n’ cops crime thriller wins Best Picture. William Friedkin employed his gritty, realistic style to the film, winning the Best Director Oscar. Still a force to be reckoned with for its genre, the frenetic chase sequence between a car and moving train is awe-inspiring to this day.
Could Have Been
The Last Picture Show; A Clockwork Orange
Not Even Nominated
Sunday Bloody Sunday; McCabe & Mrs. Miller; Dirty Harry
25) The Departed (2006)
In A Nutshell
A crooks n’ cops crime thriller wins Best Picture. Not often you can say that. Martin Scorsese took home the Oscar for Best Director. We waited thirty years to say that. It was inevitable when his old buddies Francis Ford Coppola, Steven Spielberg, and George Lucas came on stage to announce Best Director.
Could Have Been
Babel
Not Even Nominated
Dreamgirls; United 93; Pan’s Labyrinth; Children of Men
24) Midnight Cowboy (1969)
In A Nutshell
Jon Voight and Dustin Hoffman are a match made in heaven here, and unlikely bromance. The first then X-rated film to nab Best Picture. Its themes are heavy even today. And that ending, how could you do that to us? John Barry, though, you the man.
Could Have Been
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
Not Even Nominated
Easy Rider; The Italian Job; The Wild Bunch; Once Upon a Time in the West; They Shoot Horses, Don’t They?
23) Rebecca (1940)
In A Nutshell
Maybe as close to Best Director as Alfred Hitchcock ever got for his debut American movie. He lost to John Ford. Adapted from Daphne du Mauriers novel, Laurence Olivier remarries, to Joan Fontaine, but the memory of his first wife linger on. Judith Anderson has something to say about it too.
Could Have Been
The Grapes of Wrath
Not Even Nominated
His Girl Friday; The Thief of Bagdad; Pinocchio
22) The Deer Hunter (1978)
In A Nutshell
Told in three very distinct chapters, and tones, Robert De Niro and his buddies soon head off to war, but come back different people. Kind of. This joins a string of relenting Vietnam movies from America in this era, not all won Best Picture of course.
Could Have Been
Coming Home
Not Even Nominated
Interiors; Autumn Sonata; Days of Heaven
21) Annie Hall (1977)
In A Nutshell
Yet another self-paroding Woody Allen flick, he built a carer on writing himself with the favorable lifestyle and flaws to match. But one of his very finest this was. The Academy don’t tend to nominate comedy, let alone hand them the big prizes.
Could Have Been
Star Wars
Not Even Nominated
Close Encounters of the Third Kind; Saturday Night Fever; New York, New York
20) It Happened One Night (1934)
In A Nutshell
So all three Best Picture winners that claimed the big five (Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, Screenplay) make the top 20 here. Frank Capra directs Claudette Colbert and Clark Gable to gold with this quiky romantic comedy. Cleearly stood the test of time.
Could Have Been
One Night of Love
Not Even Nominated
Manhattan Melodrama; The Merry Widow; Of Human Bondage
19) 12 Years a Slave (2013)
In A Nutshell
The Academy proved they are not racist. That’s that problem solved. In all seriousness, a rich, important part of American history told like a boss. This would have been a thrilling year for the Best Picture race had American Hustle not intervened.
Could Have Been
Gravity
Not Even Nominated
Blue Jasmine; Inside Llewyn Davis; Blue Is the Warmest Color
18) West Side Story (1961)
In A Nutshell
The swinging sixties were rife with big musicals winning Best Picture. This one, beautifully shot in all its color, and incredibly choreographed, takes the age-old Romeo and Juliet to New York.
Could Have Been
Judgment at Nuremberg
Not Even Nominated
La Dolce Vita; Breakfast at Tiffany’s; Yojimbo; L’Avventura; Breathless; Last Year at Marienbad
17) The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
In A Nutshell
A fantasy-adventure film takes the big prize. That never happens. In fact, the film stomped over everything in its path, winning all 11 of its nominations. A blatant reward for all three films in the Peter Jackson trilogy. Which might be the case here too.
Could Have Been
Lost in Translation
Not Even Nominated
City of God; 21 Grams; Cold Mountain
16) The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)
In A Nutshell
Academy favorites David Lean and Word War II team up and conquer. The extraordinary film took all but one of its eight Oscar nominations. It ends with a bang of course. Alec Guinness, what have you done?
Could Have Been
Sayonara; 12 Angry Men
Not Even Nominated
Paths of Glory; Jailhouse Rock; An Affair to Remember
15) Unforgiven (1992)
In A Nutshell
Clint Eastwood takes all his has learnt about the morality and brutality of westerns, and crafts a rather personal, poignant picture. Ultimately about the act of killing, the subject is given a heavy esteem, showing the fear and regret it causes.
Could Have Been
Howards End
Not Even Nominated
Raise the Red Lantern; The Player; Bram Stoker’s Dracula; Aladdin; Malcolm X; The Last of the Mohicans; Glengarry Glen Ross
14) The Apartment (1960)
In A Nutshell
Billy Wilder was on a roll. At this stage of his filmmking career he was churning out comedy-dramas every year. This gem comes with a friendly warning about who you give your apartment key to. As well as what you might learn about that special someone, love-wise.
Could Have Been
Elmer Gantry
Not Even Nominated
Spartacus; Never on Sunday; Psycho; The Virgin Spring
13) Amadeus (1984)
In A Nutshell
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart acts like a baffoon, and laughs like a hyena. But this is not an out-and-out comedy at all. Milos Forman is a master of mixing tones, this has captivating drama, but also a dark underbelly of fatherly spirit and painful envy. As for the sheer scale of the picture’s art direction and costumes, breathtaking. Some decent music too.
Could Have Been
The Killing Fields; A Passage to India
Not Even Nominated
Paris, Texas; Once Upon a Time in America; Ghostbusters; The Terminator
12) Moonlight (2016)
In A Nutshell
The latest top prize winner to break down another wall in Hollywood. Bravo Barry Jenkins and co. My big question though, if they gave the Best Actress award to Isabelle Huppert, would Faye Dunaway have declared Elle as Best Picture?
Could Have Been
La La Land
Not Even Nominated
Jackie; Loving; Silence
11) All About Eve (1950)
In A Nutshell
The classic drama of the aging Broadway star set the record for the highest number of Oscar nominations with fourteen. This included an unprecedented four of the actresses – Bette Davis, Anne Baxter, Celeste Holm and Thelma Ritter. But it was man who won the only acting prize – George Sanders. Go figure.
Could Have Been
Sunset Boulevard
Not Even Nominated
Kind Hearts and Coronets; The Third Man; The Asphalt Jungle
CONTINUE – Part V: Always Liked To Hear About The Oldtimers
10) On the Waterfront (1954)
In A Nutshell
Depicting a section of union corruption in New Jersey, this was Marlon Brando’s first Best Actor win at the fourth consecutive nomination. Also inspiration for Quentin Tarantino to have Lawrence Tierney grunt “Let’s go to work” in Reservoir Dogs.
Could Have Been
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
Not Even Nominated
A Star is Born; Rear Window; Sabrina
9) Gone with the Wind (1939)
In A Nutshell
During the American Civil War, Scarlett O’Hara puts herself through all manner of emotional anguish over the years. The apparent love for Ashley, the false marriage to Charles, and of course the turbulent relationship with Rhett Butler. Gigantic, unforgettable, and frankly we do give a damn.
Could Have Been
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington; The Wizard of Oz
Not Even Nominated:
The Lady Vanishes; The Hunchback of Notre Dame; The Rules of the Game
8) Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
In A Nutshell
Say hello to Peter O’Toole, his first of eight Best Actor nominations without a competitive win. David Lean’s genre-defining epic was vast to say the least. The competition that year had little chance. Renowned for its expansive cinematography, and that soul-stirring Maurice Jarre score.
Could Have Been
To Kill a Mockingbird
Not Even Nominated
Viridiana; Jules et Jim; The Miracle Worker; Divorce Italian Style; What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?
7) No Country for Old Men (2007)
In A Nutshell
Borders crossed galore. The Coen Brothers fed us so much of their gritty usually ingredients we’ve loved so long. And they finally win Best Picture and Best Director. Javier Bardem also won for Best Supporting Hairpiece.
Could Have Been
There Will Be Blood
Not Even Nominated
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly; Ratatouille; La Vie en Rose
6) Schindler’s List (1993)
In A Nutshell
Liam Neeson has an influx of job openings at his factory during World War II. Offers them to the Jewish community. He watches over his project, to see it has a certain panache. They do all the work. Turns out to save quite a lot of lives.
Could Have Been
The Piano
Not Even Nominated
Three Colors: Blue; The Age of Innocence; Philadelphia; Jurassic Park; Farewell My Concubine; Short Cuts; Sleepless in Seattle; What’s Love Got to Do with It; Naked
5) One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)
In A Nutshell
Milos Forman’s psychiatric masterpiece dominated the Academy Awards that year in what was undoubtedly one of the very best Picture five in Oscars’ history. Seamlessly drifting between candid comedy and moving drama, the film is a testament to Forman’s directing of actors and sensitive subject matter. Jack Nicholson wasn’t bad either.
Could Have Been
Barry Lyndon; Jaws
Not Even Nominated
Amarcord; Shampoo; The Rocky Horror Picture Show
4) The Silence of the Lambs (1991)
In A Nutshell
The last motion picture to win the big five with the Academy, makes something of a surprisingly high entry to the list. That says a lot about not only the voting demograpic, but also the popularity of such a win. Graphic, horrifying, disturbing, all the while brilliantly handled by the late Jonathan Demme. And an enduring, immeasurable bond between Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins.
Could Have Been
Bugsy; JFK
Not Even Nominated
Europa, Europa; Boyz n the Hood; Thelma & Louise; Terminator 2: Judgment Day; The Fisher King; Barton Fink
3) Casablanca (1943)
In A Nutshell
Both leads went on to do great things, but still we must remember this. The imperishable love story was also iconic in influencing future filmmakers, has dialogue still quotable, a gripping story, I mean, I could go on. As time goes by, Casablanca doesn’t really age at all.
Could Have Been
The Song of Bernadette
Not Even Nominated
Cat People; I Walked with a Zombie; Obsession; Shadow of a Doubt
2) The Godfather Part II (1974)
In A Nutshell
Widely regarded one of the finest sequels of all time, a bold opinion given the gravitas of the 1972 film. Francis Ford Coppola and Mario Puzo expand the masterful saga, somehow keeping the original tone and impact. Coppola won Best Director this time. And Robert De Niro, who once read for Sonny, won Supporting Actor – a second Oscar win for character Vito Corleone.
Could Have Been
Chinatown
Not Even Nominated
Day for Night; A Woman Under the Influence; Murder on the Orient Express
1) The Godfather (1972)
In A Nutshell
Defeating its sequel by just a few votes, is Francis Ford Coppola’s mafia masterpiece opener. Or, if you will, a wholesome family drama. Taking Best Picture, The Godfather pipped to the post the film with eight Academy Awards on the night – the most Oscars of any film in history without the Best Picture prize. So that tells you something about the stature.
Could Have Been
Cabaret
Not Even Nominated
Images; Sleuth; The Poseidon Adventure; Lady Sings the Blues; The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie