Before we find out which movie will take home Best Picture at this year’s Academy Awards, let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the films that have previously claimed the title, starting in the 1950s.
“Ben-Hur” (1959)
"Ben–Hur" was one of the most awarded films of the decade when it took home 11 Academy Awards at the 32nd Oscars in 1960, including Best Picture.
The film is set in Jerusalem in 26 A.D., following Judah Ben-Hur (Charlton Heston), a Jewish prince and merchant, when his old friend Messala (Stephen Boyd) arrives as commanding officer of the Roman Legions. Once home, Messala betrays Judah and blames him for injuring a prominent governor. Judah is sent into slavery, and his sister and mother are thrown in prison. The rest of the film follows Judah as he does everything he can to regain his freedom and take revenge on his old friend.
“Ben-Hur” is the type of film that still stands strong even today. What I admire most about this film is the overall production, the sheer number of extras used, the elaborate sets, and the iconic chariot race scene, which is still highly praised in the industry. A film with that level of excellence was not commonly seen in the 1950s, so it is safe to say that it deserved the praise and accolades it received.
“West Side Story” (1961)
Released in 1961, “West Side Story” captured audiences with its captivating dance numbers, catchy tunes and unforgettable love story, earning the film 10 Oscars, including Best Picture, at the 34th Academy Awards.
Serving as a modern-day adaptation of “Romeo and Juliet,” the film transports Shakespeare’s tragic romance to New York City, where warring families turn into rival gangs, the Jets and the Sharks. As their feud rages, Tony (Richard Beymer), a Jet, and Maria (Natalie Wood), a Shark, meet and begin to fall in love. While the couple attempts to rise above the hatred dividing their worlds, escalating violence turns their hopeful romance into tragedy.
“West Side Story” is one of my favorite films of all time. It is entertaining from the start to the finish and finds a way to make the audience become invested in the story, which I think is one of the hardest things to do in film. This movie also stands out because of the audience it can to reach. Musicals are not for everyone, but “West Side Story” was able to go past its typical audience through its powerful storytelling and emotional performances.
“One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” (1975)
If Jack Nicholson is in a film, chances are it’s worth watching. The actor’s 1975 film "One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest" is no exception. The film swept the competition at the 1976 Oscars, winning most of the major categories, including Best Picture, something that hadn’t been done by a film in 41 years.
Based on the novel of the same name by Ken Kesey, the film follows Patrick McMurphy (Nicholson), a convict who manipulates his way out of labor duties in prison by pleading insanity. He is then sent to a ward where he encounters Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher), who tries to break the spirit of her patients. After seeing how Nurse Ratched treats those in her care, McMurphy decides to gather his fellow inmates and partake in acts of rebellion.
If you watch this film, you can tell why it succeeded. Even if you are not a fan of the storyline or the overall film itself, you can’t deny the outstanding performances delivered by the cast. The compelling performances by Nicholson and the rest of the ensemble are what make this film amazing.
“Terms of Endearment” (1983)
Released in 1983, “Terms of Endearment” is an emotionally compelling drama that shines a light on the complex bond between mother and daughter. Its heartfelt storytelling earned five Academy Awards at the 56th Oscars in 1984, including Best Picture.
The film follows widow Aurora Greenway (Shirley MacLaine) and her daughter, Emma (Debra Winger). When Emma decides to marry her teacher, Flap Horton (Jeff Daniels), against her mother’s wishes, their relationship is put to the test. Years later, Emma finds her way back to her mother, but soon after the two rekindle their relationship, Emma learns devastating news that forces her to try and make peace with those in her life.
“Terms of Endearment” won the awards it did because of its deep relatability. Not many films are able to make you sit and truly reflect on your own life, but this one does. It shines a light on the importance of family and the relationships that shape who we are. The emotions feel real, the struggles feel personal and that honesty is what makes the story so powerful. This is the kind of film that stays with you long after it ends, and its message will never lose its relevance.
“The Silence of the Lambs” (1991)
"The Silence of the Lambs" is one of the most acclaimed thrillers of all time, becoming the third film in Academy Awards history to win all five major categories at the Oscars.
The film follows Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster), a student at the FBI’s training academy. She is pulled from her training to interview Dr. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins), a brilliant psychiatrist and violent psychopath serving life behind bars for murder and cannibalism. Crawford believes that Lecter may have insight into how to hunt for another serial killer currently at large and sends Starling to get some answers.
If I could go back in time and watch one film for the first time, it would be this one. This film is a beautiful mix of horror and thriller that keeps you engaged the entire time.
