Celebrating the Oscars: All Seventy-Seven Best Picture Oscar Winners (with links to full reviews)
Feb 16 '05 (Updated Nov 17 '05)
The Bottom Line Use this summary of all of the seventy-seven winners of the Oscar for Best Picture (with links) to facilitate your search for worthwhile viewing experiences, through high quality reviews.
Get ready for the Oscars with a look back at the winners of the Best Picture trophy over the seventy-seven years of Oscar history. You'll find some great films here with which to extend your viewing experience. This is the first of three special lists that I will be producing this week and next in recognition of (1) the up-coming 77th Oscar Award Ceremony, on February 27th, 2005, and (2) some of the outstanding reviewers here at Epinions. These lists will provide links mainly to reviews written by Epinionators other than myself. Every one of the Academy Award winners in the Best Film category has at least one review here at Epinions. Most have multiple high quality reviews.
I make no claim that the reviews that I have selected as links for each film are necessarily the best, but I have carefully selected (whenever there was more than one review available) ones that I judged to be very good and among the best. In any case, all you will need to do in order to make your own choice of reviews is to click on "Read Reviews" when you've arrived at the linked review. Usually, I have selected a review that gives an overall rating for the film that I feel fairly represents the film's worth, but in three instances I went instead with a review that rated the film either one star lower or one star higher than I would have, because the review was better written or more informative than its competitors.
The Academy Awards are made by the members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences once each year. Each trophy consists of a gold-plated statuette some 13.5 inches high. There are thirteen branches of the guild and each selects five nominees in its specialty area. For example, actors choose the nominees for Best Actor, directors choose the nominees for Best Director, and cinematographers choose the nominees for Best Cinematography. The entire membership of the Academy, consisting of more than 5000 individuals, then votes on the entire slate of nominees. The voting system has been criticized increasingly, in recent years, for being overly influenced by promotion, publicity, politicking, and studio affiliations. In 1970, George C. Scott refused to accept his Oscar to protest the extent to which such factors were taking precedence over genuine artistic considerations. Nevertheless, an Oscar remains the most coveted of film awards because of its economic value. Winning an Oscar is often worth tens of millions of dollars of additional box-office revenue for a film and salary negotiation leverage for individual recipients.
The Academy Award Ceremony is now a world-famous annual affair, broadcast around the world to an estimated one billion viewers. The stars emerge amidst pomp and glitter and in high fashion. The evening is sprinkled with lavish production numbers and the witticisms of the comedian hosts. The event has also been increasingly used as a platform for expression of political viewpoints.
Please note that the director listed below for each year is the director of the Best Film, who may or may not also be the winner of the Best Director Oscar. You can ascertain which of these directors also won the Best Director award by reading the descriptive information provided with each film. You might want to check out my other Oscar-related lists:
Celebrating the Oscar Divas: All Seventy-Seven Best Actress Oscar Winners
All Fifty-Six Best Foreign Film Oscar Winners
1928 Wings Director William A. Wellman (See jaconley58's Review.) jaconley58's Rating: * * * *
Gary Cooper and Clara Bow star in this classic of the silent film era in which two pilots of World War I find themselves competing for the same gal. The film was noteworthy for its use of documentary footage of actual air battles. Wings also took the Oscar for Best Engineering Effects.
1929 The Broadway Melody Director Harry Beaumont (See rightbrain's Review.) rightbrain's Rating: * * * *
The advent of sound in cinema made this film the first Oscar-winning sound film. It was a musical as well, so sound came into the Oscars in a big way. A vaudeville sister act (loosely based on the real life Duncan sisters) provides the vehicle for a story of love and sacrifice highlighted by the tunes of Arthur Freed and Nacio Herb Brown.
1930 All Quiet on the Western Front Director Lewis Milestone (See George Chabot's Review.) George Chabot's Rating: * * * * *
Many consider this antiwar film from Universal the first truly great Oscar winner. It is set in World War I, as seen from the German point-of-view, and starred Louis Wolheim and Lew Ayres. Milestone took the Oscar for Best Director. The film won another for Outstanding Production and nominations for Best Writing and Best Cinematography.
1931 Cimarron Director Wesley Ruggles (See lkm111's Review.) lkm111's Rating: * * * * *
The big scene in this western from RKO, starring Richard Dix and Irene Dunne, is the Oklahoma Land Rush, which utilized thousands of extras. In addition to Best Picture, this film won Oscars for Best Writing and Best Interior Decoration. Dix was nominated for Best Actor, Dunne for Best Actress, and Ruggles for Best Director.
1932 Grand Hotel Director Edmund Goulding (See tbrown's Review.) tbrown 's Rating: * * * * *
Starring Greta Garbo and John Barrymore, this blockbuster drama from MGM follows the interweaving lives of the guests of the Grand Hotel. Oddly, it received no Oscar awards or nominations other than Best Picture.
1933 Cavalcade Director Frank Lloyd (See Stephen Murray's Review.) Stephen Murray's Rating: * *
Based on a play by Noël Coward, this Fox drama follows thirty years in the life of a British family. Diana Wynyard stars as Jane Marryot and Clive Brook as Robert Marryot. Lloyd took the Oscar for Best Director and William Darling the one for Best Interior Decoration. Wynyard was nominated for Best Actress.
1934 It Happened One Night Director Frank Capra (See gaelkm's Review.) gaelkm's Rating: * * * * *
Claudette Colbert played Ellie Andrews opposite Clark Gable as Peter Warne in this Romantic comedy that has Colbert as an unhappy heiress escaping an overbearing father in Florida and hoping to join her shiftless lover in New York. Along the way, she acquires the aid of a reporter (Gable) in exchange for the rights to her story. This film also took the Oscar for Best Writing and earned its principals the trophies for Best Director, Best Actress, and Best Actor.
1935 Mutiny on the Bounty Director Frank Lloyd (See George Chabot's Review.) George Chabot's Rating: * * * * *
Charles Laughton had the lead as Capt. William Bligh but the real story of this MGM adventure film is that it confirmed Clark Cable (who played 1st Mate Fletcher Christian) as the leading actor of the day. Laughton, Gable, and Franchot Tone all received nominations for Best Actor. The film also garnered nominations for Best Screenplay, Best Film Editing, and Best Score and Frank Lloyd took the trophy as Best Director.
1936 The Great Ziegfeld Director Robert Z. Leonard (See BrianKoller's Review.) BrianKoller's Rating: * * * *
This musical biography of the famous shyster featured William Powell as Florenz Ziegfeld and Luise Rainer as Ann Held. In addition to the Best Film Oscar, this MGM entry took trophies for Best Dance Direction and nominations for Best Original Story, Best Film Editing, and Best Interior Decoration. Luise Rainer left the ceremony with the Oscar for Best Actress.
1937 The Life of Emile Zola Director William Dieterle (See BrianKoller's Review.) BrianKoller's Rating: * * * * *
Paul Muni played the French novelist Emile Zola in this magnificent Warner Bros. biographical film, earning a nomination for Best Actor. Gale Sondergaard played Lucie Dreyfus and Joseph Schildkraut Capt. Alfred Dreyfus, earning the trophy for best supporting actor. Dieterle was nominated for Best Director and his assistant, Russ Saunders, for Best Assistant Director. The film won a trophy for Best Screenplay and was nominated for Best Original Story, Best Interior Decoration, and Best Sound Recording.
1938 You Can't Take It with You Director Frank Capra (See BrianKoller's Review.) BrianKoller's Rating: * * *
After winning Best Director in 1934, Capra was back with this comedy from Columbia starring Jean Arthur and Lionel Barrymore about a family of frustrated artists. Capra ended up with his second Oscar as Best Director. Spring Byington was nominated for Best Supporting Actress. The film had nominations for Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, and Best Sound Recording.
1939 Gone with the Wind Director Victor Fleming (See susidee34's Review.) susidee34's Rating: * * * * *
This flamboyant American classic from producer David O. Selznick starred Clark Gable as Rhett Butler and Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O'Hara, two characters that will live forever in the national heritage of the United States. Leigh took the trophy for Best Actress and Hattie McDaniel (as Mammy) the one for Best Supporting Actress. Fleming carried away the Oscar for Best Director. The film won awards for Best Screenplay, Best Color Cinematography, Best Film Editing, and Best Interior Decoration and had nominations for Best Original Score, Best Sound Recording, and Best Special Effects.
1940 Rebecca Director Alfred Hitchcock (See artbyjude's Review.) artbyjude's Rating: * * * * *
Laurence Olivier and Joan Fontaine were the stars of this David O. Selznick production directed by the inimitable Alfred Hitchcock. In this thriller, a shy, young woman (played by Fontaine) meets the handsome Maxim de Winter (Olivier) on the Riviera. After a quick marriage, they return to de Winter's English estate, Manderley, where the new bride quickly experiences subliminal hostility from the numerous servants. The film also won the award for Best Black-and-White Cinematography and nominations for Best Screenplay, Best Film Editing, Best Original Score, Best Interior Decoration, and Best Special Effects. Hitchcock was nominated for Best Director, Olivier for Best Actor, Fontaine for Best Actress, and Judith Anderson for Best Supporting Actress, but none of them received trophies.
1941 How Green Was My Valley Director John Ford (See jspeakup's Review.) jspeakup's Rating: * * * * *
This powerful film from Fox catalogued the suffering of families in a community of hard-working miners in South Wales. The stars, Walter Pidgeon and Maureen O'Hara, were overlooked, even for nominations, but Donald Crisp won a trophy for Best Supporting Actor and Sara Allgood a nomination in the Best Supporting Actress category. John Ford took an Oscar for Best Director. The film won awards for Best Black-and-White Cinematography and Best Interior Decoration and nominations for Best Screenplay and Best Sound Recording.
1942 Mrs. Miniver Director William Wyler (See jspeakup's Review.) jspeakup's Rating: * * * * *
Greer Garson and Walter Pigeon starred in this war drama from MGM about the courage and determination of the British people during the German bombing raids of World War II. William Wyler won the Oscar for Best Director, Garson for Best Actress, and Teresa Wright for Best Supporting Actress. Pigeon was nominated for Best Actor and Henry Travers for Best Supporting Actor. The film won trophies for Best Screenplay and Best Black-and-White Cinematography, as well as nominations for Best Film Editing, Best Sound Recording, and Best Special Effects.
1943 Casablanca Director Michael Curtiz (See carl lazarevic's Review.) carl lazarevic's Rating: * * * * *
Widely considered among the greatest and most romantic films in history, Casablanca, produced by Warner Bros., starred Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. Director Michael Curtiz took the Oscar for Best Director. Bogart was nominated for Best Actor and Claude Rains as Best Supporting Actor. The film won a trophy for Best Screenplay and nominations for Best Black-and-White Cinematography, Best Film Editing, and Best Score (in a drama or comedy).
1944 Going My Way Director Leo McCarey (See weirdo 87's Review.) weirdo 87's Rating: * * * *
Bing Crosby (as Father Chuck O'Malley), uses the magic of music to save a parish and its parishioners from disillusionment in this religious musical from Paramount. This film came out of nowhere to earn Crosby the Best Actor award, Leo McCarey the Best Director Oscar, and Barry Fitzgerald another for Best Supporting Actor. The film garnered trophies for Best Original Story, Best Screenplay, and Best Song as well as nominations for Best Black-and-White Cinematography and Best Film Editing.
1945 The Lost Weekend Director Billy Wilder (See DavidMac's Review.) DavidMac's Rating: * * *
Ray Milland and Jane Wyman were the star power for this drama from Paramount about a struggling, alcoholic writer who lives with a more responsible brother. Milland was awarded the trophy for Best Actor and Billy Wilder the one for Best Director. The film won an Oscar for Best Screenplay and nominations for Best Black-and-White Cinematography, Best Film Editing, and Best Score (by Miklos Rozsa).
1946 The Best Years of Our Lives Director William Wyler (See pmills1210's Review.) pmills1210's Rating: * * * * *
Sam Goldwyn championed this film about the difficulties faced by veterans returning from World War II in adjusting to civilian life. Myrna Loy and Fredric March starred. March received an Oscar as Best Actor and Harold Russell as Best Supporting Actor. William Wyler also took the trophy for Best Director. In addition to Best Picture, the film won Oscars for Best Screenplay, Best Film Editing, and Best Score, and a nomination for Best Sound Recording.
1947 Gentleman's Agreement Director Elia Kazan (See DavidMac's Review.) DavidMac's Rating: * * * *
Gregory Peck and Dorthy McGuire starred, with an able assist from Celeste Holm, who took the Best Supporting Actress award. This drama from Fox concerns a magazine writer who seeks a better understanding of anti-Semitism by pretending to be a Jew. The film's producer and champion, Darryl F. Zanuck, was one of the few leading moguls of Hollywood who was not Jewish and the film was a major risk on his part. Peck and McGuire received nominations for Best Actor and Best Actress respectively. Elia Kazan won the trophy for Best Director. The film was nominated for Best Screenplay and Best Film Editing.
1948 Hamlet Director Laurence Olivier (See Metalluk's Review.) Metalluk's Rating: * * * * *
This adaptation from Two Cities of the great Shakespearean play suffers a bit from cuts but stars the superlative Laurence Olivier in the title role. Oliver was rewarded with the trophy for Best Actor. Jeans Simmons was nominated as Best Supporting Actress and Olivier as Best Director. The film took the trophy for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration and Best Costume Design, as well as a nomination for Best Score,
1949 All the King's Men Director Robert Rossen (See DavidMac's Review.) DavidMac's Rating: * * * * *
Columbia pictures was the source of this political drama based on a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Robert Penn. Broderick Crawford's outstanding performance as Willie Stark, a corrupt politician, won him the Best Actor award. Mercedes McCambridge took the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress and John Ireland garnered a nomination as Best Supporting Actor. Robert Rossen was nominated as Best Director. The film received nominations for Best Screenplay and Best Film Editing.
1950 All About Eve Director Joseph L. Mankiewicz (See DavidMac's Review.) DavidMac's Rating: * * * * *
Bette Davis and Anne Baxter both earned nominations as Best Actress for their work in this Fox drama All About Eve, a backstage story based on a novel by Mary Orr, concerning an aging star who unwittingly befriends a fan who wants to assume the star's identity. George Sanders won the trophy for Best Supporting Actor and Joseph L. Mankiewicz the one for Best Director. Celeste Holm and Thelma Ritter both received nomination in the Best Supporting Actress category. The film won Oscars for Best Screenplay, Best Costume Design, and Best Sound Recording and received nominations for Best Black-and-White Cinematography, Best Film Editing, and Best Art Direction-Set Decoration.
1951 An American in Paris Director Vincente Minnelli (See BrianKoller's Review.) BrianKoller's Rating: * * *
With Gene Kelly, Leslie Caron, and the stirring musical numbers of George and Ira Gershwin, this MGM musical had all the ingredients for success. In addition to Best Picture, this film took Oscars for Best Story and Screenplay, Best Color Cinematography, Best Score, Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, and Best Costume Design and was nominated for Best Editing. Minnelli (Liza's father) was nominated for Best Director.
1952 The Greatest Show on Earth Director Cecil B. DeMille (See Jaynrand's Review.) Jaynrand's Rating: * * *
Cecil B. DeMille both produced and directed this Paramount drama about the circus world. The film also won Best Motion Picture Story and was nominated for Best Film Editing and Best Costume Design. DeMille was nominated for Best Director.
1953 From Here to Eternity Director Fred Zinnemann (See Stephen Murray's Review.) Stephen Murray's Rating: * * * * *
With an all-cast of Burt Lancaster, Deborah Kerr, Montgomery Cliff, Frank Sinatra, Donna Reed, and Ernest Borgnine, it's hard to go wrong. This Columbia Pictures war drama, directed by Fred Zinnemann, concerns a young soldier at Pearl Harbor who is talented as both a boxer and bugler, but refuses to join the company's boxing team in exchange for the coveted position as bugler, thus incurring the ire of the commanding officer, Captain Holmes. In addition to Best Picture, the film took Oscars for Best Supporting Actor (Frank Sinatra), Best Supporting Actress (Donna Reed), Best Screenplay, Best Black-and-White Cinematography, Best Film Editing, and Best Sound Recording, as well as nominations for Best Score and Best Costume Design. Lancaster and Kerr were nominated for Best Actor and Best Actress respectively. Zinnemann won the award for Best Director.
1954 On the Waterfront Director Elia Kazan (See ChrisJarmick's Review.) ChrisJarmick's Rating: * * * * *
Marlon Brando's virtuoso performance in this Columbia Pictures drama made him a star, earned him a Best Actor award, and carried the film to a Best Picture Oscar as well. Set in the corruption-riddled docks of New York City, the film features magnificent black-and-white cinematography that earned Boris Kaufman an Oscar. Elia Kazan took the trophy for Best Director and Eva Marie Saint the one for Best Supporting Actress. Lee J. Cobb and Jarl Malden were each nominated as Best Supporting Actor. On the Waterfront also won the awards for Best Story and Screenplay, Best Film Editing, and Best Art Direction-Set Decoration. It was also nominated for Best Score.
1955 Marty Director Delbert Mann (See tbrown's Review.) tbrown's Rating: * * * * *
Ernest Borgnine as Marty is the highlight of this touching UA drama about a lonely, good-hearted man without prospects who lives with his mother in the Bronx. When Marty meets and falls for the equally homely Clara (Betsy Blair), his mother and his friends are nonplussed. Blair was nominated for Best Supporting Actress and Joe Mantell for Best Supporting Actor. Delbert Mann won the Oscar for Best Director. The film also took the trophy for Best Screenplay and was nominated for Best Black-and-White Cinematography and Best Art Direction-Set Decoration.
1956 Around the World in Eighty Days Director Michael Anderson (See KidFlash25's Review.) KidFlash25's Rating: * * * *
This bold adventure film, produced by Michael Todd and based on a novel by Jules Verne, starred David Niven and Shirley MacLaine. The story, set in 1872, centers on Phileas Fogg (played by Niven), who makes a wager with the members of his club that he can travel the entire distance around the world in eighty days or less. In addition to Best Picture, the film won Oscars for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Color Cinematography, Best Film Editing and Best Score. It was also nominated for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration and Best Costume Design.
1957 The Bridge on the River Kwai Director David Lean (See Metalluk's Review.) Metalluk's Rating: * * * * *
William Holden and Alex Guinness starred in this Columbia war film about the machinations of British POW's forced to build an elaborate bridge over the River Kwai by their Japanese captors. A subplot features a renegade American soldier assigned the task of destroying that bridge. Alec Guinness received the Best Actor Oscar for his effort and David Lean the Best Director trophy. Sessue Hayakawa was nominated for Best Supporting Actor. The film also took Oscars for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, and Best Score.
1958 Gigi Director Vincente Minnelli (See Stephen Murray's Review.) Stephen Murray's Rating: * * *
In this MGM musical, a Parisian waif played by Leslie Caron is transformed into a sophisticated young lady so as to become the mistress of an heir to a sugar fortune (played by Louis Jourdan), but the transformation is so effective that he falls in love with her and wants to marry her instead. This film earned Vincent Minnelli the Oscar for Best Director. It also garnered trophies for Best Color Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Song, Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, and Best Costume Design.
1959 Ben-Hur Director William Wyler (See artbyjude's Review.) artbyjude's Rating: * * * * *
Charlton Heston starred in this lavish historical epic from MGM that used 300 sets covering 340 acres. Heston received the Oscar for Best Actor, Hugh Griffith the one for Best Supporting Actor, and William Wyler the statue for Best Director. The film earned Oscars for Best Color Cinematography, Best Score, Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Best Costume Design, Best Sound, and Best Special Effects. It was also nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay.
1960 The Apartment Director Billy Wilder (See artbyjude's Review.) artbyjude's Rating: * * * * *
I saw this film several times and whistled the theme song for weeks, after bawling over this UA comedy/drama starring Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine, and Fred MacMurray. Lemmon's character is a hapless and loveless company clerk who loans out his apartment for the trysts of his philandering boss, only to discover that one of the man's castoffs has attempted suicide. Billy Wilder got the Oscar for Best Director. Lemmon was nominated for Best Actor, MacClain for Best Actress, and Jack Kruschen for Best Supporting Actor. The film took trophies for Best Original Story and Screenplay, Best Film Editing, and Best Art Direction-Set Decoration. It received nominations for Best Black-and-White Cinematography and Best Sound.
1961 West Side Story Director Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise (See susidee34's Review.) susidee34's Rating: * * * * *
The music of Leonard Bernstein and brilliant choreography are the highlights of this musical starring Natalie Wood, Richard Beymer, Russ Tamblyn, Rita Moreno, and George Chakiris. Moreno won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress and Chakiris for Best Supporting Actor, both well deserved. Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise shared the award for Best Director. The film received Oscars for Best Color Cinematography, Best Score, Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Best Costume Design, and Best Sound. It was also nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay.
1962 Lawrence of Arabia Director David Lean (See Metalluk's Review.) Metalluk's Rating: * * * * *
Peter O'Toole, Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn, Jack Hawkins, and Omar Sharif are among the star-studded cast of this U.K. production from Horizon films. Based on a biography of T.E. Lawrence by David Lean, the story centers on an eccentric Englishman who rallies Arab tribes against the Ottoman Turks during World War I. David Lean won the Oscar for Best Director. Peter O'Toole was nominated as Best Actor and Omar Sharif as Best Supporting Actor. The film received Oscars for Best Color Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Original Score, Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, and Best Sound. It was also nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay.
1963 Tom Jones Director Tony Richardson (See Metalluk's Review.) Metalluk's Rating: * * * * *
The U.K. scored for a second year in a row with this rollicking comedy from Woodfall studios. The story was adapted from Fielding's mammoth novel by the same name. Albert Finney, as the title character, was nominated for Best Actor. Hugh Griffith received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor and the trio of Diane Cilento, Edith Evans, and Joyce Redman were all nominated for Best Supporting Actress. Tony Richardson won the Oscar for Best Director. The film received trophies for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Original Score as well as a nomination for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration.
1964 My Fair Lady Director George Cukor (See Neenkena's Review.) Neenkena's Rating: * * * * *
The talent of Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison carried this Lerner and Loewe musical from Warner Bros. Henry Higgins (Harrison) is a linguist convinced that he can convert a Cockney flower girl (Hepburn) into a dazzling lady of society by teaching her perfect elocution. Rex Harrison was rewarded with an Oscar for this effort, as was director George Cukor. Stanley Holloway was nominated for Best Supporting Actor and Gladys Cooper for Best Supporting Actress. The film won trophies for Best Cinematography, Best Adapted Score, Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Best Costume Design, and Best Sound. It was also nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay.
1965 The Sound of Music Director Robert Wise (See MrsNormanMaine's Review.) MrsNormanMaine's Rating: * * * *
Another musical got the nod in 1965, this one from Fox and starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. The story is biographical, detailing the flight of the Von Trapp family from Austria during Nazi occupation. Robert Wise won the Oscar for Best Director. Julie Andrews was nominated for Best Actress and Peggy Wood for Best Supporting Actress. The film took awards for Best Film Editing, Best Adapted Score, and Best Sound. It was also nominated for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration and Best Costume Design.
1966 A Man for All Seasons Director Fred Zinnemann (See Metalluk's Review.) Metalluk's Rating: * * * * *
Paul Scofield starred in this U.K. adaptation of Robert Bolt's successful play concerning an English Catholic statesman who opposed King VIII's decision to proclaim himself head of the Church of England. Scofield received an Oscar as Best Actor and Zinnemann as Best Director. Robert Shaw was nominated for Best Supporting Actor and Wendy Hiller as Best Supporting Actress. The film won Oscars for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Color Cinematography, and Best Costume Design.
1967 In the Heat of the Night Director Norman Jewison (See AliventiAsylum's Review.) AliventiAsylum's Rating: * * * * *
This crime thriller from Mirisch studios starred Sidney Poitier as Virgil Tibbs and Rod Steiger as Bill Gillespie. When a murder occurs in Sparta Mississippi, Tibbs, a black police officer from Philadelphia, is sent to assist Gillespie in the investigation, but is threatened by local rednecks. Steiger received the Best Actor trophy. Jewison was nominated for Best Director. The film took Oscars for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Film Editing, and Best Sound, as well as receiving a nomination for Best Sound Effects.
1968 Oliver! Director Carol Reed (See Metalluk's Review.) Metalluk's Rating: * * * *
Another musical, but this one from the U.K.! Ron Moody and Shani Wallis starred in this sugary version of Dickens' Oliver Twist. Carol Reed received the Oscar for Best Director. Moody was nominated as Best Actor and Jack Wild as Best Supporting Actor. This film won Oscars for Best Score, Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, and Best Sound and received additional nominations in the categories of Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, and Best Costume Design.
1969 Midnight Cowboy Director John Schlesinger (See popsrocks's Review.) popsrocks's Rating: * * * * *
Dustin Hoffman made an unforgettable impression as "Ratso" Rizzo along with Jon Voight as Joe Buck in this drama from UA. A would-be gigolo (Voight) and a drifter riddled with tuberculosis (Hoffman) form an unlikely duo in New York City. Both Hoffman and Voight were nominated for Best Actor. Sylvia Miles received a nomination as Best Supporting Actress. The film won Oscars for Schlesinger as Best Director and Waldo Salt for Best Adapted Screenplay. It was also nominated for Best Film Editing.
1970 Patton Director Franklin J. Schaffner (See mkp51's Review.) mkp51's Rating: * * * * *
George C. Scott owns this biographical war film from Fox about the famous World War II general known as "Old Blood and Guts." Scott won the Oscar for Best Actor (but refused it) and Franklin J. Schaffner the one for Best Director. The film took trophies in the categories of Best Original Story and Screenplay, Best Film Editing, Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, and Best Sound. It was also nominated for Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, and Best Special Visual Effects.
1971 The French Connection Director William Friedkin (See ChrisJarmick's Review.) ChrisJarmick's Rating: * * * *
Gene Hackman starred in this crime film from Fox about a New York City policeman determined to break the flow of heroin from Turkey, through France, to the New York mafia. Hackman won the Oscar as Best Actor and William Friedkin the one for Best Director. Roy Scheider got a nomination as Best Supporting Actor. The film also took trophies for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Film Editing. It was nominated in the Best Cinematography and Best Sound categories as well.
1972 The Godfather Director Francis Ford Coppola (See thevoid99's Review.) thevoid99's Rating: * * * * *
Arguably the greatest film ever made, this Paramount crime epic details the life and activities of the family of Don Vito Corleone, the patriarch of a New York based crime family. With Marlon Brando as Vito Corleone, Al Pacino as his son Michael, James Caan as his son Sonny, and Robert Duvall as Tom Hagen, this film and its sequel are permanently ingrained in American film lore. Brando won an Oscar as Best Actor. Caan, Duvall, and Pacino were each nominated for Best Supporting Actor and Coppola was nominated for Best Director. The film won a trophy for Best Adapted Screenplay and nominations for Best Film Editing, Best Costume Design, and Best Sound.
1973 The Sting Director George Roy Hill (See susidee34's Review.) susidee34's Rating: * * * * *
This crime caper film from Zanuck/Brown starred Paul Newman, Robert Redford, and the ragtime music of Scott Joplin. Two scam artists team up to take revenge on a mafia bigwig through an elaborate con. George Roy Hill won the trophy for Best Director. Redford was nominated as Best Actor. The film took awards for Best Original Story and Screenplay, Best Film Editing, Best Song Score, Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, and Best Costume Design. It was also nominated for Best Sound.
1974 The Godfather Part II Director Francis Ford Coppola (See carl lazarevic's Review.) carl lazarevic's Rating: * * * * *
Simultaneously a prequel and a sequel, Godfather II is the rare instance of a follow-up film that equaled the original. We follow the making of Don Corleone from his roots in Sicily and, after, the emergence of Michael as the new godfather. Al Pacino and Robert Duvall return but the real news is the addition of Robert De Niro as the young Vito. He won the award for Best Supporting Actor. Pacino was nominated for Best Actor, the trio of Michael V. Gazzo, Robert Duval, and Lee Strasberg for Best Supporting Actor, and Talia Shire for Best Supporting Actress. Francis Ford Coppola received an overdue Oscar for Best Director. The film received trophies for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Dramatic Score, and Best Art Direction-Set Decoration. It was nominated for Best Costume Design as well.
1975 One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest Director Milos Forman (See fuche bu's Review.) fuche bu's Rating: * * * * *
Jack Nicholson's stellar performance as a mental health patient earned him an Oscar as Best Actor. Nicholson's character struggles to hold onto his self-determination against the dominating influence of Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher). Fletcher received the Oscar for Best Actress. Brad Dourif was nominated for Best Supporting Actor. Milos Forman won the trophy for Best Director. The film also received the award for Best Adapted Screenplay and was nominated for Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, and Best Original Score.
1976 Rocky Director John G. Avildsen (See cripper's Review.) cripper's Rating: * * * *
The Academy went against form in picking this sentiment-oozing, highly popular sports film from UA about an "Italian Stallion" picked as a pushover opponent for a title defense by the champion, Apollo Creed. The film's only other trophies were for Best Director (Avildsen) and Best Film Editing, though it was nominated for Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Song, and Best Sound. Stallone was nominated as Best Actor, Talia Shire as Best Supporting Actress, and both Burgess Meredith and Burt Young as Best Supporting Actors.
1977 Annie Hall Director Woody Allen (See pmills1210's Review.) pmills1210's Rating: * * * * *
Woody Allen's strange perspective on contemporary relationships starred himself as the neurotic Alvy Singer, madly in love with the title character played by Diane Keaton. Keaton won the Best Actress Oscar and Allen was nominated for Best Actor. He walked away instead with the trophy for Best Director. The film also acquired the statue for Best Original Screenplay.
1978 The Deer Hunter Director Michael Cimino (See Stairway2Drew's Review.) Stairway2Drew's Rating: * * * *
The Deer Hunter is a disturbing Vietnam war film from EMI/Universal, starring Robert De Niro. The Director, Michael Cimino, won the Oscar for Best Director while Christopher Walken won the trophy for Best Supporting Actor. De Niro had to settle, this time, for a nomination. Meryl Streep was nominated for Best Supporting Actress. The film took the awards for Best Film Editing and Best Sound and was nominated in the Best Original Screenplay and Best Cinematography categories.
1979 Kramer vs Kramer Director Robert Benton (See cripper's Review.) cripper's Rating: * * *
Columbia pictures produced this drama of divorce and a subsequent custody battle. Dustin Hoffman plays Ted Kramer across from Meryl Streep as Joanna Kramer, but little Justin Henry provided the film's sentimental context as their kid, Billy. Hoffman took the Oscar for Best Actor and Streep was awarded the one for Best Supporting Actress. Henry was nominated as Best Supporting Actor and Jane Alexander as Best Supporting Actress. Robert Benton won the Oscar for Best Director. The film won the statue for Best Adapted Screenplay and was nominated for Best Cinematography and Best Film Editing.
1980 Ordinary People Director Robert Redford (See skbreese's Review.) skbreese's Rating: * * * * *
Robert Redford's debut effort as a director was an adaptation of a novel by Judith Guest. This film, starring Donald Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore, Judd Hirsch, and Timothy Hutton, tells the story of a teenager consumed by guilt over the drowning of his more widely admired brother and the resentment of his mother. Redford won the Oscar for Best Director and Timothy Hutton the one for Best Supporting Actor. Mary Tyler Moore was nominated for Best Actress and Judd Hirsch as Best Supporting Actor. The film won a trophy for Best Adapted Screenplay.
1981 Chariots of Fire Director Hugh Hudson (See Metalluk's Review.) Metalluk's Rating: * * * *
This biographical film illuminates the sources of inspiration that drive winning-athletes to excel. It was produced by Enigma studios in the U.K. and starred Ben Cross and Ian Charleson as a Jewish and a Christian athlete respectively, the first driven to succeed by a need for acceptance and the latter for the glory of Jesus. Hugh Hudson was nominated for Best Director and Ian Holm as Best Supporting Actor. The film won trophies for Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Score, and Best Costumes. It was nominated for Best Film Editing.
1982 Gandhi Director Richard Attenborough (See mkp51's Review.) mkp51's Rating: * * * * *
This three-hour biography of the great Indian leader was a U.K./India co-production. Ben Kingsley delivered a stellar performance as Mahatma Gandhi, to earn the Best Actor award. Richard Attenborough took the Oscar for Best Director. The other trophies that went to this film were in the categories of Best Original Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, and Best Costume Design. The film was also nominated for Best Original Score, Best Sound, and Best Makeup.
1983 Terms of Endearment Director James L. Brooks (See cyndialu's Review.) cyndialu's Rating: * * * * *
Paramount produced this comedy/drama starring Debra Winger and Shirley MacLaine. Both were nominated for Best Actress but the award went to . . . . . [drum roll] Shirley MacLaine. Winger, who plays MacLaine's daughter, is terminally ill and the film hinges mainly on the intense relationship between the two women. Jack Nicholson won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor over John Lithgow, who was also nominated. James L. Brooks was rewarded for the film with the Oscar for Best Director. The film was also nominated in several other categories: Best Film Editing, Best Original Score, Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, and Best Sound.
1984 Amadeus Director Milos Forman (See ChrisJarmick's Review.) ChrisJarmick's Rating: * * * * *
Orion produced this extraordinary film featuring the musical genius of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and performances by Tom Hulce as Mozart and F. Murray Abraham as Salieri. No previous film had ever explored the creative process in musical composition more effectively, while also telling a dramatic (if fictional) tale of professional jealousy. Abraham won the Best Actor Oscar over Hulce, who was nominated, so, in the end, Salieri had his triumph. Mike Forman received the trophy for Best Director. The film took the awards for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Best Costume Design, and Best Sound and was nominated for awards in the Best Film Editing category.
1985 Out of Africa Director Sydney Pollack (See BrianKoller's Review.) BrianKoller's Rating: * * * *
Maryl Streep and Robert Redford were the stars of this romance from Universal studios. In this adaptation of a novel by Isak Dinesen, Streep plays an aristocratic woman, in 1914, who marries a playboy Baron, having been promised the world but being left instead to run an African plantation on her own. Sydney Pollack won the Best Director trophy for this effort. Streep was nominated for Best Actress and Klaus Maria Brandauer for Best Supporting Actor. Out of Africa won Oscars for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, and Best Sound. It was also nominated for Best Film Editing.
1986 Platoon Director Oliver Stone (See cripper's Review.) cripper's Rating: * * * * *
Herndale produced this war film about a platoon in Vietnam that is at odds with itself, as grizzled, cynical veterans square off against raw recruits. Tom Berenger, Willem Defoe, and Charlie Sheen star. Oliver Stone won the Oscar for Best Director for the effort. Berenger and Dafoe were both nominated for Best Supporting Actor. The film took trophies for Best Film Editing and Best Sound and was nominated for Best Original Screenplay and Best Cinematography.
1987 The Last Emperor Director Bernardo Bertolucci (See metalluk's Review.) metalluk's Rating: * * * *
This biographical drama from Columbia pictures was based on the real life of Aish-Gioro "Henry" Pu Yi, who was indeed the last emperor of China, here played as an adult by John Lone. Bernardo Bertolucci won the Oscar for Best Director. The film swept the trophies for Best Adapted Screen Play, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Original Score, Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Best Costume Design, and Best Sound.
1988 Rain Man Director Barry Levinson (See st patrick's Review.) st patrick's Rating: * * * * *
Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise are an odd pairing but it works in this drama from Guber-Peters about a free wheeling hustler who suddenly discovers that he has an institutionalized, mentally challenged brother. Barry Levinson won an Oscar as Best Director and Hoffman for Best Actor for their work on this picture. The film also won an award for Best Original Screenplay. It was nominated for awards for Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Original Score, and Best Art Direction-Set Decoration.
1989 Driving Miss Daisy Director Bruce Beresford (See artbyjude's Review.) artbyjude's Rating: * * * * *
Jessica Tandy and Morgan Freeman star in this comedy/drama from Zunick that adapted a Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Alfred Ulry. Freeman plays the chauffeur reluctantly hired by a feisty southern Jewish matron at the insistence of her son. Tandy received the Oscar for Best Actress. Freeman was nominated for Best Actor and Dan Aykroyd for Best Supporting Actor. The film won statues for Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Makeup as well as being nominated for Best Film Editing, Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, and Best Costume Design.
1990 Dances with Wolves Director Kevin Costner (See mcmaster's Review.) mcmaster's Rating: * * * * *
Kevin Costner stars as a Union officer during the Civil War who is stationed at a lonely post in the wilderness where his only contacts are with wolves and Native Americans. Costner was nominated for Best Actor, Graham Greene as Best Supporting Actor, and Mary McDonnell as Best Supporting Actress. Costner took the Oscar for Best Director. The film won the trophies for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Sound, Best Original Score, and Best Film Editing. It was also nominated in the Best Art Direction-Set Decoration and Best Costume categories.
1991 Silence of the Lambs Director Jonathan Demme (See brendan's Review.) brendan2's Rating: * * * * *
Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins co-starred in this frightening psychological thriller and horror film from String Heart Productions and Orion. When a FBI trainee (Foster) is hired to track down a serial killer, she reasons that a fruitful tactic might be getting inside the head of a notorious imprisoned serial killer, Hannibal "the Cannibal" Lecter, a brilliant but psychopathic psychiatrist, but the tactic backfires when he gets inside her head as well. Hopkins won the Oscar for Best Actor and Foster the one for Best Actress. Jonathan Demme also took the trophy for Best Director. The film took the award for Best Adapted Screenplay and was nominated for Best Film Editing and Best Sound.
1992 Unforgiven Director Clint Eastwood (See MrsNormanMaine's Review.) MrsNormanMaine's Rating: * * * * *
Clint Eastwood both starred in and directed this western from Malpaso Productions and Warner Bros. about a former bounty hunter and assassin turned pig farmer who returns to his old ways when his wife dies and the pig farm venture fails. Eastwood won a trophy for Best Director and was nominated for Best Actor. Gene Hackman won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. The film also took the award for Best Film Editing. Unforgiven was nominated in several other categories: Best Original Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, and Best Sound.
1993 Schindler's List Director Steven Spielberg (See cripper's Review.) cripper's Rating: * * * * *
Amblin/Universal produced this film about entrepreneur Oskar Schindler who helped save the lives of hundreds of Jews by first turning a blind eye and then actively supporting the hiring of Jews by his factory's Jewish accountant, so that the Jews could be classified as essential workers to spare them from certain death in concentration camps. Liam Nessen played Schindler and Ben Kingsley the accountant, Izhak Stern. Steven Spielberg received the Oscar as Best Director for this effort. Neeson was nominated for Best Actor and Ralph Fiennes for Best Supporting Actor. The film took Oscars, as well, for Best Cinematography. Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score, Best Film Editing, and Best Art Direction-Set Decoration. It received nominations for Best Costume Design, Best Sound, and Best Makeup.
1994 Forrest Gump Director Robert Zemeckis (See cripper's Review.) cripper's Rating: * * * * *
Tom Hanks is Forrest Gump in this drama and comedy from Tisch Company. This story about a simple-minded but incredibly successful man was one of the highest grossing films ever when it came to the Oscars and took away several awards. Robert Zemeckis won the Oscar for Best Director and Hanks the one for Best Actor. Gary Sinise was nominated for Best Supporting Actor. The film took trophies for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Film Editing, and Best Visual Effects. It was nominated for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Best Cinematography, Best Makeup, Best Original Score, Best Sound, and Best Sound Effects.
1995 Braveheart Director Mel Gibson (See George Chabot's Review.) George Chabot's Rating: * * *
Mel Gibson directed and starred in this historical drama from Paramount about Scottish patriot Sir William Wallace, who leads a bloody revolt against the tyranny of the English. Gibson won the trophy for Best Director. The film also won the award for Best Cinematography, Best Makeup, and Best sound Effects. Its other nominations came in the categories of Best Original Screenplay, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing, Best Dramatic Score, and Best Sound.
1996 The English Patient Director Anthony Minghella (See Metalluk's Review.) Metalluk's Rating: * * * * *
Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche starred in this U.K./U.S./Italy co-production set in the Sahara Desert in 1938. An affair between a newlywed bride (Binoche) and the Hungarian Count Almasy (Fiennes) produces a classic romantic triangle that ends in tragedy for all concerned. Minghella won the Oscar for Best Director and Binoche the one for Best Supporting Actress. Fiennes was nominated for Best Actor and Kristin Scott Thomas for Best Actress. The film took trophies for Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Sound, Best Original Dramatic Score, Best Costume Design, and Best Film Editing. It was also nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay.
1997 Titanic Director James Cameron (See alexdg1's Review.) alexdg1's Rating: * * * *
The Titanic was titanic is more ways than one. Obviously based on the disastrous sinking of the famous luxury liner in 1912, this historical melodrama from Paramount starred Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet as a pair of star-crossed lovers. James Cameron earned the Oscar for Best Director. Kate Winslet was nominated for Best Actress and Gloria Stuart for Best Supporting Actress. The film won statues for Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Sound, Best Sound Effects Editing, Best Original Dramatic Score, Best Original Song, Best Film Editing, and Best Visual effects. It was also nominated for Best Makeup.
1998 Shakespeare in Love Director John Madden (See Metalluk's Review.) Metalluk's Rating: * * * * *
Gwyneth Paltrow, Joseph Fiennes, and Colin Firth are the trio of stars in Shakespeare in Love from United International Pictures, a rather improbable account of the Bard's bawdy dalliance with a would-be actress (Paltrow), who has to disguise herself as a man to appear on stage. Paltrow got the Oscar for Best Actress and Judi Dench the one for Best Supporting Actress. Geoffrey Rush was nominated for Best Supporting Actor and John Madden as Best Director. The film took the trophies for Best Costume Design, Best Art Direction, Best Original Score and Best Original Screenplay. It was also nominated for Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Makeup, and Best Sound.
1999 American Beauty Director Sam Mendes (See DavidMac's Review.) DavidMac's Rating: * * * *
Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening, and Mena Suvari are an odd trio indeed in this black comedy about midlife crisis in suburban America. Lester Burnham (Kevin Spacey) can't help ogling his daughter's cheerleader friend, Angela (Suvari), despite his nagging wife (Bening) and his life falling apart in every other respect. Sam Mendes took the Oscar for Best Director and Kevin Spacey the one for Best Actor. Bening was nominated as Best Actress. The film won the awards for Best Original Screenplay and Best Cinematography. It was also nominated for Best Film Editing and Best Original Score.
2000 Gladiator Director Ridley Scott (See George Chabot's Review.) George Chabot's Rating: * * * *
Russell Crowe starred in his historical adventure film from Scott Free about the Roman general Maximus in the second century A.D. Maximus is sold into slavery after he runs afoul of the aging emperor's ambitious and corrupt son, Commodus, but fights his way back to an opportunity for vengeance. Russell Crowe won the Oscar for Best Actor. Ridley Scott was nominated for Best Director and Joaquin Phoenix for Best Supporting Actor. In addition to Best Picture, the film was presented with trophies for Best Costume Design, Best Sound, and Best Visual Effects. It was also nominated for Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Original Score.
2001 A Beautiful Mind Director Ron Howard (See Captaind's Review.) Captaind's Rating: * * * * *
Russell Crowe was back for a second year in a row after starring in A Beautiful Mind, a dramatic biography from Brian Grazer Productions. Crowe plays the part of John Forbes Nash Jr., a brilliant mathematician plagued by schizophrenia. This film is as fine a portrayal of psychosis as you will find on film. Ron Howard was rewarded with the Oscar for Best Director. Jennifer Connelly won a trophy for Best Supporting Actress and Russell Crowe was again nominated for Best Actor. The film took the award for Best Adapted Screenplay and was nominated for Best Film Editing, Best Makeup, and Best Original Score.
2002 Chicago Director Rob Marshall (See Vormancian's Review.) Vormancian's Rating: * * *
Catherine Zeta-Jones, Renèe Zellweger, and Richard Gere provide the pizzazz in this musical from Miramax, which is full of glitter and glamour. Catherine Zeta-Jones won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. Zellweger was nominated as Best Actress, John C. Reilly as Best Supporting Actor, Queen Latifah as Best Supporting Actress, and Rob Marshall as Best Director. The film was presented trophies for Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing, and Best Sound. It was also nominated for Best Cinematography, Best Original Song, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
2003 The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Director Peter Jackson (See carl lazarevic's Review.) carl lazarevic's Rating: * * * * *
The final chapter of the magnificent Lord of the Rings trilogy based on the Tolkien masterpieces finally earned the participants overdue recognition from the Academy. Elijah Wood stars as Frodo Baggins, Ian McKellen as Gandalf, Viggo Mortensen as Aragon, and Orlando Bloom as Legolas. Peter Jackson won the Oscar for Best Director. The film took awards for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Art Direction, Best Sound Mixing, Best Original Score, Best Original Song, Best Costume Design, Best Editing, Best Makeup, and Best Visual Effects, sweeping every category in which it was nominated.
2004 Million Dollar Baby Director Clint Eastwood (See trust12345's Review.) trust12345's Rating: * * * * *
Based on a Jerry Boyd short-story entitled Rope Burns, this film has Frank Dunn (Clint Eastwood) as the Irish Catholic owner of a boxing gym and a tough guy whose daughter will not answer his letters. Dunn had once been the expert cut man in the corner of Eddie Dupris (Morgan Freeman), an ex-boxer who now virtually lives in Dunn's gym. Along comes Maggie Fitzgerald (Hilary Swank), a girl from a trailer park, determined to make her way in the world of woman's boxing. Freeman and Swank also both won Oscars for their performances.
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And finally,
My Personal Selection of the Top Ten Oscar-winning Best Pictures of All-Time:
#10. Casablanca (1943)
#9. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1978)
#8. A Beautiful Mind (2001)
#7. The Sting (1973)
#6. On the Waterfront (1954)
#5. West Side Story (1961)
#4. The Apartment (1960)
#3. Amadeus (1984)
#2. The Godfather, Part II (1974)
#1. The Godfather (1972)
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