Best Picture Winners: The Good, The Bad, and The Just Plain Weird
Every year, the Academy Awards ceremony stirs up controversy and excitement as movie buffs eagerly await the announcement of which film will win the coveted Best Picture award. While some years produce clear winners that are widely celebrated by both critics and audiences alike (think “The Godfather” or “Titanic”), other years have produced divisive choices that have left many scratching their heads in confusion.
In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the best picture winners over the years – from those that were truly great to those that were just plain weird.
The Classics
Let’s start with some of the all-time classics. These are films that continue to be revered by critics and audiences alike, even decades after their initial release:
1. “Gone with the Wind” (1939): This sweeping epic about life in the American South during and after the Civil War is often cited as one of Hollywood’s greatest achievements. With unforgettable performances by Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh, stunning cinematography, and a memorable score, it’s easy to see why this film has stood the test of time.
2. “Casablanca” (1943): Few films capture romance quite like this classic starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. Set against a backdrop of war-torn North Africa during World War II, “Casablanca” remains a timeless masterpiece thanks to its unforgettable dialogue (“Here’s looking at you, kid”) and iconic scenes (who can forget Sam playing “As Time Goes By”?).
3. “The Godfather” (1972): Francis Ford Coppola’s masterpiece about a powerful Italian-American crime family continues to captivate audiences today thanks to its gripping storyline, memorable characters (including Marlon Brando’s infamous Don Corleone), and gorgeous cinematography.
4. “Schindler’s List” (1993): This powerful film about a German businessman who saved the lives of more than 1,000 Jews during World War II is often cited as one of Steven Spielberg’s greatest achievements. With its haunting score and unforgettable performances by Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes, “Schindler’s List” remains a must-see for anyone interested in history or cinema.
5. “The Silence of the Lambs” (1991): This thriller starring Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins still manages to send chills down viewers’ spines thanks to its gripping storyline, memorable characters, and pitch-perfect direction by Jonathan Demme.
The Controversial
Not every Best Picture winner is universally loved – in fact, some have been downright controversial. Here are a few examples:
1. “Crash” (2005): Many critics were surprised when this ensemble drama about race relations in Los Angeles beat out heavy hitters like “Brokeback Mountain” and “Munich”. While some praised the film for its frank portrayal of racism in America, others criticized it as being overly simplistic and melodramatic.
2. “Dances with Wolves” (1990): Kevin Costner’s epic Western about a Civil War-era soldier who befriends Native Americans was widely acclaimed upon its release – but today, many view it as an example of Hollywood’s tendency to romanticize non-white cultures while marginalizing their voices.
3. “Shakespeare in Love” (1998): While this romantic comedy starring Gwyneth Paltrow did receive positive reviews upon its initial release, many felt that it was undeserving of the Best Picture award given that it was up against more serious fare like “Saving Private Ryan”.
4. “Green Book” (2018): Despite winning several awards including Best Picture at the Oscars ceremony held on February 24th 2019; this movie has come under criticism from the black community for its portrayal of a white man as the main character helping a black musician. The film has been described as perpetuating the “white savior” narrative and downplaying the racism that existed in America during this period.
The Just Plain Weird
And then there are those Best Picture winners that are just plain weird – films that, for whatever reason, managed to capture Academy voters’ imaginations despite being anything but conventional:
1. “Annie Hall” (1977): This quirky romantic comedy from Woody Allen features unconventional storytelling techniques (including breaking the fourth wall) and an offbeat sense of humor that some find endearing while others find grating.
2. “Birdman” (2014): This surreal drama about a washed-up actor trying to stage a comeback is notable not only for its bizarre storyline but also for its unique visual style – it’s shot to look like one continuous take, which adds to its dreamlike quality.
3. “The Shape of Water” (2017): This fantasy romance about a mute janitor who falls in love with an amphibious creature defies easy categorization – is it science fiction? Romance? Horror? All three? Whatever it is, it’s certainly unlike any other Best Picture winner we’ve seen before.
Conclusion
Whether you agree or disagree with their selection, there’s no denying that Best Picture winners have had a profound impact on cinema over the years. From sweeping epics like “Gone with the Wind” to quirky comedies like “Annie Hall”, these films continue to captivate audiences decades after their initial release.
Of course, not every winner has stood the test of time quite so well – some have been forgotten entirely while others remain controversial even today. But regardless of how you feel about them, there’s no denying that each year’s crop of nominees gives us plenty to talk about and debate long after Oscar night has come and gone.