To win a Best Picture Oscar, a film must possess something extraordinary. With only 94 films in history receiving this prestigious accolade, the stakes are undeniably high. The Academy Awards are not determined by the unpredictable Hollywood Foreign Press Association or various critic groups; instead, they are decided by around 10,000 members of the Academy who are respected experts in the film industry. However, the process can lead to some baffling outcomes.
In this exploration, we will dive into the 10 worst winners of Hollywood's highest honor and analyze why these films failed to resonate with audiences and critics alike.
10. The Life of Emile Zola
Prestige plays a crucial role at the Oscars. This is exemplified by the 1937 winner, The Life of Emile Zola, a literary biopic that, while solid and featuring a grand performance by Paul Muni, lacks the greatness often associated with Oscar winners. The film's claim to be one of the "few truly great pictures of all time" is widely regarded as absurd.
9. Green Book
Green Book tells the true story of an unlikely friendship between black classical pianist Mahershala Ali and his bigoted Italian-American driver, Viggo Mortensen. Despite Mortensen's defense of the film against criticisms, it remains a polarizing winner due to its perceived shortcomings and issues regarding representation.
8. Around the World in 80 Days
This film is a charming yet ultimately forgettable travelogue that many believe won its Best Picture Oscar through marketing rather than filmmaking excellence. Directed by Michael Anderson, it features David Niven as Phileas Fogg, who bets on traveling around the globe in just over two months.
7. Crash
While Paul Haggis's Crash offers a sincere examination of racism and violence in contemporary Los Angeles, it has been outshined by other films tackling similar themes. Critics argue that the film's win was influenced by the Academy's reluctance to award Brokeback Mountain.
6. Chicago
Winning an Oscar often requires a robust marketing campaign, and Chicago is a prime example. The late producer Harvey Weinstein's skills in promoting the film may have been just as vital to its success as the talent involved in its production.
5. A Beautiful Mind
This film is a love story that explores mental illness and mathematics, topics not typically embraced by Hollywood. While Russell Crowe delivers a commendable performance as John Nash, the film has been criticized for its lack of lasting impact and depth.
4. Marty
Marty, the 1955 winner, is often overshadowed by its own prior television adaptation. The original live drama featured Rod Steiger's stunning performance, leaving Ernest Borgnine's portrayal in the film as a less compelling version.
3. Out of Africa
Out of Africa is memorable for its lush visuals and Meryl Streep's distinct accent, but many critics argue that the film is more style than substance. This romantic drama fails to justify its Oscar win.
2. Braveheart
Mel Gibson's Braveheart is famed for its battle scenes and Scottish themes, yet critics question whether its historical accuracy and storytelling merit the Best Picture title. The film's influence on Scottish tourism is undeniable, but its Oscar win remains contentious.
1. The Greatest Show on Earth
Looking back, awarding the Best Picture Oscar to Cecil B. DeMille's circus epic in 1952 appears puzzling. The film, which includes a decent cast and some impressive stunts, has not aged well compared to its contemporaries, like High Noon.
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