Oscar Upsets: 12 Moments When the Favorite Lost Best Picture
The Academy Awards are known for their surprises, but nothing quite compares to the shock of a Best Picture upset.
The Unpredictable Nature of the Academy Awards
The Academy Awards, Hollywood’s most prestigious night, are often seen as a coronation for the year’s most acclaimed films. Yet, beneath the glitz and glamour, there’s an undercurrent of unpredictability that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. While many categories offer thrilling races, none quite capture the collective gasp of surprise like a Best Picture upset. These are the moments when the film widely considered the frontrunner, the one that swept the precursors and dominated the critical conversation, inexplicably loses to an underdog. These upsets are not just about a different film winning; they’re about a shift in the narrative, a re-evaluation of what constitutes cinematic excellence, and a reminder that the Academy is a diverse body with varied tastes. This article delves into 12 of the most shocking Best Picture upsets in Oscar history, exploring the films involved, the context of their wins, and why these moments continue to fascinate and sometimes infuriate film enthusiasts.
1. 'The Greatest Show on Earth' (1952) over 'High Noon' and 'The Quiet Man'
In 1952, Cecil B. DeMille’s circus epic, ‘The Greatest Show on Earth,’ took home the top prize, beating out two critically acclaimed and enduring classics: the Western masterpiece ‘High Noon’ and John Ford’s romantic drama ‘The Quiet Man.’ DeMille’s film was a massive box office success, showcasing grand spectacle and a star-studded cast. However, many critics and historians have since argued that its win was more a reflection of Hollywood’s self-congratulatory mood and its preference for big, flashy productions over more nuanced storytelling. ‘High Noon,’ with its tense real-time narrative and allegorical themes, and ‘The Quiet Man,’ a charming and visually stunning film, have both stood the test of time far better than DeMille’s epic, making this one of the earliest and most debated Best Picture upsets.
2. 'Around the World in 80 Days' (1956) over 'Giant' and 'The King and I'
Another spectacle-driven film, ‘Around the World in 80 Days,’ surprisingly won Best Picture in 1956. Its competitors included the epic Western ‘Giant,’ starring Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, and James Dean, and the beloved musical ‘The King and I.’ While ‘Around the World in 80 Days’ was an ambitious and entertaining adventure, its win over such strong contenders is often attributed to its sheer scale and the novelty of its travelogue format. ‘Giant’ is now considered a classic, and ‘The King and I’ remains a musical favorite, making the 1956 upset a testament to the Academy’s occasional preference for grandiosity over artistic depth.
3. 'Cavalcade' (1933) over '42nd Street' and 'A Farewell to Arms'
In the early days of the Oscars, ‘Cavalcade,’ a British drama spanning several decades, won Best Picture. It beat out the iconic musical ‘42nd Street’ and the acclaimed adaptation of Ernest Hemingway’s ‘A Farewell to Arms.’ ‘Cavalcade’ was a patriotic and sentimental film, appealing to the sensibilities of the time. However, ‘42nd Street’ has since been recognized as a groundbreaking musical that defined the genre, and ‘A Farewell to Arms’ remains a respected literary adaptation. This upset highlights how historical context and prevailing tastes can influence Oscar outcomes, sometimes at the expense of films that would later be deemed more significant.
4. 'Crash' (2005) over 'Brokeback Mountain'
Perhaps one of the most controversial upsets in recent memory, ‘Crash’ winning Best Picture in 2005 over Ang Lee’s ‘Brokeback Mountain’ sparked widespread debate. ‘Brokeback Mountain,’ a poignant and beautifully crafted Western romance, was widely expected to win, having garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards. ‘Crash,’ a multi-narrative film exploring racial tensions in Los Angeles, was seen by many as heavy-handed and less deserving. The win for ‘Crash’ was a genuine shock, leading to accusations of homophobia within the Academy and a re-evaluation of how films about sensitive social issues are perceived and rewarded. This upset continues to be a talking point, underscoring the subjective nature of artistic judgment and the political undercurrents of the Oscars.
5. 'Shakespeare in Love' (1998) over 'Saving Private Ryan'
The 1998 Best Picture race was widely considered a lock for Steven Spielberg’s harrowing World War II epic, ‘Saving Private Ryan.’ It was critically lauded, a box office success, and had already won Spielberg the Best Director Oscar. However, in a stunning turn of events, ‘Shakespeare in Love,’ a charming romantic comedy-drama about William Shakespeare’s early career, took home the top prize. This upset is often attributed to a highly effective, aggressive campaigning strategy by Miramax, the film’s distributor, and a perceived fatigue with war films. While ‘Shakespeare in Love’ is a well-regarded film, its victory over ‘Saving Private Ryan’ remains one of the most talked-about and surprising upsets in Oscar history, demonstrating the power of campaigning and the Academy’s occasional willingness to reward lighter fare.
6. 'Chariots of Fire' (1981) over 'Reds' and 'Raiders of the Lost Ark'
In 1981, the inspiring British sports drama ‘Chariots of Fire’ emerged victorious, beating out Warren Beatty’s ambitious historical epic ‘Reds’ and Steven Spielberg’s thrilling adventure ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark.’ ‘Reds’ was a critical darling, and ‘Raiders’ was a massive popular success. ‘Chariots of Fire,’ with its memorable score and uplifting story, resonated with voters, perhaps offering a more traditional and less challenging narrative than its competitors. Its win was a surprise, highlighting the Academy’s tendency to sometimes favor films that evoke a sense of nostalgia or traditional values over more groundbreaking or complex works.
7. 'Ordinary People' (1980) over 'Raging Bull'
Robert Redford’s directorial debut, ‘Ordinary People,’ a poignant drama about a family coping with tragedy, won Best Picture in 1980, famously beating Martin Scorsese’s gritty boxing masterpiece ‘Raging Bull.’ ‘Raging Bull’ is now widely considered one of the greatest films ever made, praised for its raw performances, innovative cinematography, and unflinching portrayal of its protagonist. However, at the time, its dark and violent themes may have been too challenging for some Academy voters. ‘Ordinary People,’ with its accessible emotional narrative and strong performances, likely appealed to a broader segment of the Academy, leading to an upset that continues to be debated by film scholars and fans alike.
8. 'Driving Miss Daisy' (1989) over 'Dead Poets Society' and 'My Left Foot'
‘Driving Miss Daisy,’ a gentle drama about the unlikely friendship between an elderly Jewish woman and her African American chauffeur, won Best Picture in 1989. It beat out the beloved ‘Dead Poets Society’ and the critically acclaimed ‘My Left Foot.’ While ‘Driving Miss Daisy’ was a heartwarming film, its win was seen as a safe choice, especially when compared to the more artistically daring or emotionally resonant contenders. This upset is often cited as an example of the Academy’s preference for feel-good narratives over more challenging or innovative cinema.
9. 'Rocky' (1976) over 'Taxi Driver' and 'All the President's Men'
The underdog story of ‘Rocky’ mirrored its own Oscar journey, as it surprisingly won Best Picture in 1976. It triumphed over two highly influential and critically revered films: Martin Scorsese’s dark psychological drama ‘Taxi Driver’ and the gripping political thriller ‘All the President’s Men.’ ‘Rocky’ was a crowd-pleaser, an inspiring tale of perseverance that resonated deeply with audiences. While ‘Taxi Driver’ and ‘All the President’s Men’ are now considered cinematic landmarks, ‘Rocky’s’ feel-good narrative and genuine charm proved irresistible to voters, making it one of the most beloved and unexpected Best Picture winners.
10. 'Grand Hotel' (1932) over 'The Champ' and 'Arrowsmith'
In 1932, the ensemble drama ‘Grand Hotel’ became the only Best Picture winner to date that was nominated in no other category. It beat out the boxing drama ‘The Champ’ and the medical drama ‘Arrowsmith.’ ‘Grand Hotel’ was a star-studded affair, showcasing the glamour of Hollywood’s golden age. Its win is often seen as a reflection of the Academy’s early fascination with star power and grand productions, even if the film itself wasn’t particularly groundbreaking in other aspects. This unique win remains a curious anomaly in Oscar history.
11. 'The Broadway Melody' (1929) over 'The Patriot' and 'Alibi'
The second Best Picture winner ever, ‘The Broadway Melody,’ was a musical that capitalized on the burgeoning popularity of sound films. It beat out the historical drama ‘The Patriot’ and the crime film ‘Alibi.’ While ‘The Broadway Melody’ is now largely forgotten, its win reflects the Academy’s early enthusiasm for the technological advancements of the talkies. It was a film that showcased the new possibilities of sound, even if its narrative and artistic merits were not as strong as some of its silent film competitors. This win underscores the Academy’s occasional tendency to reward innovation over enduring quality.
12. 'Green Book' (2018) over 'Roma' and 'The Favourite'
One of the most recent and hotly debated upsets, ‘Green Book,’ a biographical drama about a Black classical pianist and his Italian-American driver, won Best Picture in 2018. It triumphed over Alfonso Cuarón’s critically adored ‘Roma’ and Yorgos Lanthimos’s quirky period piece ‘The Favourite.’ ‘Roma’ was a black-and-white, Spanish-language film that pushed cinematic boundaries, while ‘The Favourite’ was a sharp, unconventional historical comedy. ‘Green Book,’ while a feel-good story, was criticized by some for its simplistic portrayal of race relations and its “white savior” narrative. Its win was a significant surprise, leading to renewed discussions about the Academy’s demographics and its evolving tastes, particularly concerning films that address social issues.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the term “Oscar upset” became particularly prominent after the 1998 ceremony when ‘Shakespeare in Love’ beat ‘Saving Private Ryan’? The shock of that night cemented the idea that even the most seemingly certain wins can be overturned, adding an extra layer of suspense to every Academy Awards ceremony.
Summary and Takeaways
Oscar upsets are a fascinating aspect of Academy Awards history, reminding us that the outcome is never truly certain until the envelope is opened. These moments, whether due to aggressive campaigning, shifting tastes, or a genuine preference for an underdog, spark debate and force a re-evaluation of cinematic legacies. While some upsets are eventually vindicated by time, others remain contentious, serving as a testament to the subjective and often unpredictable nature of artistic recognition. They add an undeniable thrill to the awards season, proving that even in Hollywood, anything can happen.