The Biggest Snubs in Oscar History
Every year millions of people gather around their televisions and watch the Academy give out giant gold statues. It’s a thrilling evening full of red carpet glamour and surprises. While some noteworthy movies definitely get what they deserve, others are cast aside for some reason or another! It’s almost like watching the Super Bowl where fifty or more teams are playing for the same title.
Obviously, not everyone can win. But that doesn’t justify some of the films that actually walk away with an Oscar (and the ones that don’t). While it’s always fun to celebrate the winners, we can’t help but feel slighted for the films that got snubbed along the way. Here are some of the biggest winners and snubs to ever be talked about at the Oscars! Did any of your favorites make the list?
1964 Winner: My Fair Lady
What happens when Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison get put into a movie together based on a 1913 play? We all get My Fair Lady. This modern rendition of Pygmalion is a film classic partly because of its source material. The other massive thanks go straight to Hepburn and Harrison for bringing the classic tale to life with a modern flair and a few twists.
As soon as it premiered, My Fair Lady captivated fans and brought in some new ones from around the world! People knew that this was one of those films that would stand the test of time. But it was going up against another fantastic film that deserved the Best Picture award that year.
Snubbed: Dr. Strangelove
Ready for a mouthful? We’ve gotta talk about Dr. Stranglove Or: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Bomb! Dr. Strangelove kind of lives up to its name thanks to its bizarre premise. Naturally, anything weird and heavy has to have Stanley Kubrick attached to it. Following the creation and detonation of the first atomic bomb, this a war comedy with a twisted sense of humor.
With all of its wit & humor, the movie does a great job of delivering something truly unforgettable. Considered one of the greatest comedies, and films, ever made, it’s shocking that it didn’t walk away with a single Oscar. That’s fine, you don’t need awards when almost every critic on the planet simultaneously agreed you created an amazing film.
1968 Winner: Oliver!
More? You want MORE movies to talk about? Okay, fine. Then let’s gab about Oliver! The story of orphan Oliver Twist is pretty well known. What kid didn’t have to read it growing up? When it burst into song and dance on the silver screen, those who hadn’t read learned the tale pretty quickly. This particular award-winning version was based on the stage play that took the world by storm in the early 1960s.
Audiences, fans, critics, and just about everyone else couldn’t help but sing and dance along in the aisle to this surprisingly fun film! Just like the tagline, this film is much more than a musical. But was it much more than one of Stanley Kubrick’s greatest films?
Snubbed: 2001: A Space Odyssey
Many consider this one Stanley Kubrick’s magnum opus. This bizarre and philosophically heavy sci-fi introduced the world to HAL 9000, an AI that refuses to compromise its mission. The film has something for everyone without sacrificing its goal and larger mission; tell a story nobody was prepared for. Despite being based on some solid sci-fi material, it didn’t fly into orbit until after the award season had passed.
That’s probably because Kubrick took some beautiful risks with his film style that people didn’t appreciate until after it was time to give the film its earned dues. That’s a shame because the massive space baby was reason enough to give Kubrick an award. Who saw that coming?!
1980 Winner: Ordinary People
There’s nothing ordinary about losing a loved one. Something so traumatic and gut-wrenching always catches people by surprise. But this has been going on since the beginning of humankind. We’re not invincible. Life is so fragile that we don’t know how precious it is until it’s gone. Those are just some of the themes that Ordinary People tries to tackle.
This dramatic film from the 80s is full of heavy themes and forces the audience to go through a dark but beautiful journey. That’s probably why it was unsurprising when it won Best Picture in 1981. A great film? Yes. Better than the De Niro film that should’ve won? No.
Snubbed: Raging Bull
Who here saw the knockout hit Raging Bull? This is De Niro at his athletic peak. Move aside Stallone, because De Niro throws a few punches in this boxing spectacular. That’s fine, as long as he keeps his eye on the prize. Critics were originally split on this Scorcese-directed sports drama, but everyone eventually came to realize how awesome it was.
Fans got to see Robert De Niro face off against opponents in a way that hadn’t been treated to before. He even sweeps up some big prizes while doing his job. Titles like Best Film Editing and Leading Actor were added to this film’s massive belt of awards, but Best Picture should’ve been among them.
1982 Winner: Gandhi
Gandhi was a larger-than-life figure most known for his intense conviction for achieving peace in India. Through his version of peaceful protest, Gandhi was on a mission to free India from the rule of the British Monarchy. What sounds like some far-off plot set in a fantasy land, this was pretty much reality for millions in the 40s. Decades later Gandhi’s beliefs and convictions were reshaped to fit with Hollywood’s standards.
That’s how the hit film Gandhi came to be. Following his life and accomplishments, a film about the fight for peace ended up dominating at the box office and on the award circuit. By the time awards season was over, Gandhi came out victorious with the beloved Best Picture award. As great as it was, a different movie should’ve taken home that title…
Snubbed: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Dreaming something else is out there has propelled us towards great advances in science as well as cinema. Steven Spielberg’s classic alien tale, E.T., helps encapsulate the wonder of what could one day come to us from space. Told through a child’s perspective, E.T. is a heartwarming and slightly odd movie with heart and love for home (no matter what planet that happens to be).
With megastars to-be like Drew Barrymore part of the cast, Spielberg saw the future and it was golden. Unfortunately, the Academy had different ideas, and decided to give Best Picture to someone else! That’s fine, it’s cool, we’ll call home and gab about it while watching this cinema staple.
1990 Winner: Dances With Wolves
The American Civil War was a massive deal. Even if you weren’t in the United States when it happened (none of us were, it’s okay) surely you heard about it. There are so many stories and characters it can be hard to keep up with all of the key figures. When Dances With Wolves came out we had to add another name of people to keep track of to the list: Kevin Costner.
With most of it being recorded in a variety of Native American languages, this movie almost felt like a documentary. Costner and everyone else were so convincing that the Academy gave the movie seven out of the twelve Oscars it was nominated for! While this was a fantastic film, we can’t help but think one of the best mobster movies was robbed that year.
Snubbed: Goodfellas
The American Mafia genre is pretty heavy with great films. The Godfather is definitely the undisputed king. That doesn’t mean there isn’t room for a few princes. Goodfellas is more than just good. It’s a great movie with some surprising twists, excellent dialogue, and some of the best performances of the lead actors’ careers.
It’s also a classic with a pretty fanbase. For all the good it did with fans, the Academy didn’t really warm up to the business this film tries to show off. Despite all of the awards and accolades, Best Picture was sadly out of reach for this one.
1994 Winner: Forrest Gump
When you make a great book sometimes you get to make an extraordinary movie. Forrest Gump was lightning in a bottle when it hit theatres! Everyone got something that they wanted and needed from the movie. Following Forrest through his journey across time and historical events was charming and heartbreaking at the same time. His ability to always look on the bright side of life was infectious.
Plus, Hanks’ portrayal was as superb as ever. This movie is a classic that showcases some of America’s best and worst moments while still offering people hope. There’s no wonder why it was such a powerhouse at the Academy Awards. But Best Picture? That should’ve gone to a different film…
Snubbed: Pulp Fiction
Can you count how many Academy Awards Quentin Tarantino films have won? Whatever number you came up with, add a “+1”. Why? Because Pulp Fiction was robbed. Clever, over-the-top, and quintessentially Tarantino, this movie has a lot taking place. The vignettes are basically stand-alone mini-movies.
Uma Thurman, Bruce Willis, Kathy Griffin, just star after star shines in this film in ways nobody was expecting! Plus, we were all treated to one of the coolest dance contests ever. If the critics weren’t fans of Pulp Fiction when it came out then they definitely need to go back and rewatch it, because this movie had “GIVE US AWARDS WE DESERVE IT” written all over it.
1995 Winner: Braveheart
Pulse-pounding music, incredible sets, awesome battles, and some of the greatest action moments from the 90s? A staple in most college film appreciation classes, Braveheart doesn’t let up on the gas until the very end of its nearly three-hour runtime. Dramatizing the Scottish fight for independence, this flick took on an epic challenge once the script was penned.
With the right cast and crew, they managed to pull off a movie that swept through the awards circuit with the fearsome spirit of William Wallace himself. Spin-off movies and shows were even discussed. Undoubtedly a great movie, but better than a film based on Jane Austen’s greatest work? We don’t think so.
Snubbed: Sense and Sensibility
Jane Austen’s work is basically required reading when it comes to literature. Whenever one of her works becomes a film there’s a very high level of sophistication and attention to detail required. Thankfully, 1995’s Sense and Sensibility meets the mark and surpasses it with class. This drama set in the 1800s follows twin love stories that are fueled by the movie’s namesakes (common sense and emotional maturity).
While this movie was beautifully shot and delivered, it didn’t warm up the critics enough to win Best Picture. Often considered one of the best adaptations of Austen’s work, this movie definitely deserved the award Braveheart got that year.
1996 Winner: The English Patient
Love and war share more similarities than people care to believe or accept. While both can be a battlefield, they can both also be places full of hope. The English Patient attempted to give hope to millions of viewers around the world. Often considered a complex and beautiful love story, The English Patient swept the award show circuit. But was it deserved?
By the time the dust settled it had been prescribed nine Academy awards (and a tidal wave of others). This movie had a lot of hype at the time, but people look back and think a certain Coen brothers’ film deserved its Best Picture award…
Snubbed: Fargo
Where do ya wanna go? Near or Fargo? We’re not talking about the show. Before the hit series came out, Fargo was a kitschy murder mystery with a lot of heart and all sorts of questions packed into it. While there’s been a lot of discussions about whether this movie is truly based on fact, nobody can deny the oddly charming way the crime is carried out.
The fallout resulting from it is so much fun to watch unfold (since we don’t have to deal with that stress in the real world). For something so niche, Fargo reached audiences around the world with its charm, wit, and frankness. While it’s not exactly the cultiest of cult films, it definitely deserved more critical praise than it received (as well as a few more awards).
1997 Winner: Titanic
Take a deep breath, put your anger for Rose aside, and let’s chat about Titanic! James Cameron knew what he was doing when he made this film. A dramatic love story set aboard a ship destined to turn into one of the world’s biggest naval disasters ever? Sign us up (to watch, not to ride).
Everything about the movie was over-the-top and yet somehow believable (probably because everything but the romance actually happened). We were on that ship with everyone through its entire voyage. This was probably one of the least-controversial Best Picture wins to come from the Oscars. But many think that Matt Damon’s breakthrough role deserved Best Picture instead.
Snubbed: Good Will Hunting
A dramatic Robin Williams movie? What witchcraft is this? Well, it’s called Good Will Hunting and it’s one of his (as well as Matt Damon’s) best movies ever. Taking an actor typically associated with a certain genre and throwing them into a new environment can garner interesting results. When Good Will Hunting came out, people were skeptical about Matt Damon and Ben Affleck’s writing ability.
Those fears were squashed as soon as this one hit theaters. Every star shined brightly in their role! Williams, Damon, and Affleck all won Oscars for their contributions to the film as well. It lives on as one of Williams’ greatest and most heartfelt roles, definitely the movie that deserved Best Picture in ‘97.
1998 Winner: Shakespeare In Love
Before he became one of the foundational writers for English storytelling and theatre, Shakespeare was a writer with heart. His own life is both well-known as well as completely shrouded in mystery. In 1998 someone decided to put the playwright’s life into the spotlight! Shakespeare In Love is a fictional period drama that shows how a romantic became a legend as well as a lover.
It was no surprise at how beloved the movie became. What turned out to be a big surprise is how well-regarded the movie is twenty years after it premiered. But in retrospect the Academy might regret not giving that Best Picture award to a different film…
Snubbed: Saving Private Ryan
Whenever Steven Spielberg is looking for more awards for his cabinet he cranks out some spectacular films. When plans were unveiled for a serious Spielberg project with Tom Hanks, people were interested. Then they were completely thrown for a loop with Saving Private Ryan. This was basically the film that said, “I’m the best film of the 90s” and nobody said otherwise.
It’s also considered one of the greatest war movies ever made. That’s a lofty claim! The cinematics and acting chops of Hanks back it up. More than a few people were surprised that the Oscar for Best Picture wasn’t a guaranteed thing!
2000 Winner: Gladiator
ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED? It’s hard to believe that Russell Crowe’s meme-worthy line was delivered over two decades ago. Gladiator fought its way to the top of people’s must-watch lists back in 2000. It’s also remained there ever since. It’s both an excellent film in its own right, as well as an important moment in cinematic history.
Of its twenty-nine huge titles, the Best Picture and Best Actor Oscars are probably the most well-known. The movie became known for one of Crowe’s best performances and Ridley Scott’s work as the movie’s director. Despite being an undeniably excellent film, we think a different action movie deserved the Best Picture award instead…
Snubbed: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was one of the most beautiful films to premiere at the turn of the millennium. With some of the most beautifully choreographed fight scenes in movie history, this film is a multi-layered warrior disguised as a delicate beauty. Known primarily for its acrobatic and wire-work, this movie has a deep story that spawned an entire universe of films and conversations.
It’s hard to even imagine it didn’t win Best Picture! Thankfully, even without that award, it’s still pretty beloved by audiences around the world. If there were a retro-active Oscar to be awarded, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon would be at the top of the list of honorees.
2002 Winner: A Beautiful Mind
If you want something to gut-punch you in the feels and still have you rooting for the impossible, then drop what you’re doing and watch A Beautiful Mind. Living up to its name, this film showcases the life of Nobel Prize laureate Dr. John Nash Jr. through his trials, tribulations, and trip-ups. Dr. Nash helped revolutionize the world with his mathematical theories.
The film goes on to showcase how his personal life was affected by his own genius and mental health issues. It’s a beautifully shot film that educated millions while also remaining entertaining. We think fans of J.R.R. Tolkein will back us up when we say it didn’t deserve the Best Picture win that year.
Snubbed: The Fellowship of the Ring
The epic fantasy genre is pretty packed with some huge names. None of them hold a candle to the shining beacon that is Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy. One of the biggest names in the fantasy genre, and the first film in the series, The Fellowship of the Ring took audiences to The Shire and beyond with its grandeur. To create something as massive and beautiful as this film, Jackson knew he had to go all out.
Fans of the book series, as well as the director’s previous work, had expectations. Thankfully, they were met and then some. The music, cinematography, even the action sequence, had a grace and beauty that couldn’t be matched by any series of its time. With all of that working for it, it was still one ring shy of cinching Best Picture.
2005 Winner: Crash
Sometimes, a movie doesn’t need to be based on fantasy to take us to new places. Crash is a great example of showcasing a different world to its audiences without stepping foot outside of the realm of reality. Showing a more extreme and divided Los Angeles came as a shock to people when they first saw the film.
Crash went on to win Best Picture among a flurry of controversies which shows just how tight the Oscars were that year. It also catapulted stars like Ludacris to new heights of fame thanks to their convincing and heartfelt performances. Despite its success, we think another film was robbed that year…
Snubbed: Brokeback Mountain
Ready for one of the biggest upsets ever in Oscars history? Friendly reminder: Brokeback Mountain didn’t win Best Picture at the Oscars. We know, hard to believe, right? This film showcases the complicated role love plays in our lives. It can unexpectedly arise in the most mundane and surprising places. Audiences were introduced to a time in history (that’s still kind of happening) when people aren’t able to express their sexuality safely.
This story not only showed us the range of Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal but also forced the audience to question how they truly felt about being true to themselves. None of that seemed to translate well enough to get a Best Picture win.
2010 Winner: The King’s Speech
Political dramas aren’t always the most exciting. However, when you’re in the mood for a good one, then take a page out of the Oscar winner’s book and watch The King’s Speech. This engrossing tale shows how a future king of England overcame his personal issues to fight for and unite his country against the Nazis. Doesn’t that sound like a winner? It should because it snagged Best Picture in 2011!
In fact, it got twelve nominations and four Oscars! Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, and Helena Bonham Carter received massive acclaim for bringing a famous story to life (and keeping it entertaining while still being insightful)! Despite being a great film, we think a different title should’ve taken home the Best Picture award…
Snubbed: The Social Network
Social media has changed the way people around the world live and showcase their lives to others. We started with physical photo albums to remember things and now have algorithms and programs letting us know how to capitalize on those memories. It’s terrifying, cool, and also kind of a mystery as to how it all miraculously sprang up! If you have any questions just watch The Social Network.
This groundbreaking film took the story of Facebook’s birth and gave it the Hollywood treatment. Breakout stars, a compelling story, and a few twists really put this film on the map. Our timelines bring it up from time to time and for good reason: we need to be reminded that it didn’t win Best Picture!
2017 Winner: The Shape of Water
Guillermo del Toro is a master at melding fantasy and reality. Whenever his name is attached to a project Hollywood is on high alert for how many awards he’ll inevitably take home. The Shape of Water (2017) is no exception. A love story that reimagines what love is and can be between two completely different creatures, this film was met with both curiosity and criticism.
That didn’t stop it from snagging the coveted Best Picture award, along with a finful of others, at the Oscars in 2018! While many people saw this one winning from a mile away, some others felt like there was one other movie that gave it a true swim for its money.
Snubbed: Darkest Hour
Modern war dramas are pretty heavy on action and quick camera work. Recently, people have really been into feeling like they’re on a battlefield somewhere in the world. However, the more politically-minded film Darkest Hour showcases one of the world’s worst wars in a different light. The passion, fear, and confusion people felt were put into the spotlight in 2017 in one of Gary Oldman’s most ambitious roles.
Taking on the role of Winston Churchhill, Oldman and the accompanying cast deliver performances that helped net them tons of critical acclaim. The film was even nominated for six Oscars (and walked away with two of them). But it didn’t snag Best Picture, and we think that’s a shame.