There’s a great deal of prestige surrounding the Academy Award forBest Picture, but a few winners haven’t retained their popularity status in the years following their big win. Traditionally saved as the last award of the night, the statuette is awarded to the film deemed the best of the previous year by Academy voters. However, there are a handful offilms that have received the significant honor and still fail to cross the minds of the general publicor be frequently discussed outside of conversations among passionate movie fans.
It’s important to note that the loss of relevancy doesn’t always reflect the quality of the movie. There are some years when the competition is tough, such as 1942 whenHow Green Was My Valleywas nominated alongsideCitizen Kane, or 1999 whenShakespeare in Lovewas nominated againstSaving Private Ryan— with the latter films of each year being received more positively years later. Regardless of whether they won in the Oscars' early years or within the last decade, certain Best Picture winners haven’t retained their popularity status.
10The Greatest Show On Earth (1952)
Directed by Cecil B. DeMille
The premise ofThe Greatest Show on Earthsets up audiences with the expectation of a lavish Hollywood production and a fun time. The film gives audiencesa behind-the-scenes look at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, centering itself around the intense competition between two trapeze artists played by Cornel Wilde and Betty Hutton.
With a runtime of two and half hours, the film doesn’t have much substance to keep audiences' attention or motivate them to return for a rewatch.
The documentary-style film also features real members of the troupe throughout and provides an in-depth look at the preparation it takes for such a big show. However, whileThe Greatest Show on Earthmay be theideal movie for circus fanatics, it’s otherwise been largely forgotten by many.
The Greatest Show on Earth
Cast
The Greatest Show on Earth is a 1952 drama set in a circus, where manager Brad Braden hires the talented Great Sebastian, resulting in tension with trapeze artist Holly. As Holly and Sebastian engage in a competitive rivalry in the ring, personal dynamics unfold on the ground.
With a runtime of two and half hours,the film doesn’t have much substance to keep audiences' attentionor motivate them to return for a rewatch. The movie is pleasing to look at, as bold colors and a variety of animals fill the screen, but with the standards of audiences today in mind, it’s no wonder why it has fallen out of popularity.
9Tom Jones (1963)
Directed by Tony Richardson
Henry Fielding was a famous English writer celebrated for his satirical work, with his most famous novel beingThe History of Tom Jones, a Foundling. Fast-forward to 1963, Fielding’s novel was adapted into the Best Picture-winningTom Jones. Albert Finney portrays the title character in the film, who goes on a series of wild adventures filled with danger and love. The film has earned a positive critical reception throughout the years, with themost praise being given to Finney for his performance.
Tom Jones
Tom Jones, released in 1963, is a British comedy film directed by Tony Richardson. Adapted from Henry Fielding’s classic novel, it follows the adventures and romantic entanglements of the titular character, Tom Jones, portrayed by Albert Finney, as he navigates social class differences in 18th-century England.
Tom Joneshas strong visuals with the stunning scenery of England supporting all of Tom’s misadventures, and it’s difficult not to be charmed by the protagonist and the humor he carries with him. Still, thedated jokes and specific brand of British humoraren’t enough to uphold the popularity of a movie that doesn’t feel quite as exciting or unrivaled as it once did.
8American Beauty (1999)
Directed by Sam Mendes
Following its 1999 release,American Beautywas viewed as a forward-thinking film whose Best Picture win was not only deserved but incredibly refreshing when compared to the winners of previous years. The film tells the story of a suburban man, Lester Burnham (Kevin Spacey), bored with his middling life, leading to a midlife crisis. Part of Lester’s reinvention is prompted by his growing romantic attraction to his teenage daughter’s best friend.
American Beauty
American Beauty, released in 1999, is a drama film directed by Sam Mendes. It follows the life of Lester Burnham, played by Kevin Spacey, a disillusioned suburban father undergoing a profound midlife crisis. Annette Bening co-stars as his ambitious wife, Carolyn. The film explores themes of beauty, desire, and existential ennui within the confines of American suburbia.
While praise is still given to the film for its direction and artistry,American Beautyis by no means as popular as it once was. Tragedies like the September 11 attacks and the Great Recessiondrastically changed how audiences and many critics viewed the themes addressed in the film. Additionally, the public perception of Spacey in more recent years has led many to feel increasingly uneasy with his character’s actions. Combining these factors, there’s no questioning how the film’s popularity has faded.
7Crash (2004)
Directed by Paul Haggis
The remaining popularity ofShakespeare in LoveandHow Green Was My Valleyis a result of winning over movies held in higher regard when it comes to their impact on filmmaking and storytelling. The same can be said forCrash, whichwon Best Picture instead of what many assumed would beBrokeback Mountain.
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However, unlike the two previously mentioned Best Picture winners, Paul Haggis' film has few redeeming qualities in audiences' eyes, making better sense as to why it’s no longer popular.Crashinterweaves the story of Los Angeles residents dealing with racism and class and gender disparity.
Crash
Crash is a television drama inspired by the Academy Award-winning film of the same name. The series explores the complex intersections of diverse lives in Los Angeles, featuring an ensemble cast that represents the city’s multicultural populace. As characters navigate issues of race, class, and interconnected destinies, personal and societal challenges unfold through interwoven storylines. The show provides a layered portrayal of modern urban life, drawing connections between individual experiences and broader social dynamics.
Though the film presents these issues with sincerity, nothing new is brought to these heavy conversations, particularly about race, making the film’s messaging feel cheap. The characters' personal arcs and their connectivity aren’t fully convincing either, and, unfortunately,Crashdoesn’t appear interested in exploring its subject matter on a deeper level, which has led many to forget about the film as the years have passed.
6Green Book (2018)
Directed by Peter Farrelly
Nominated alongsideBlacKkKlansman,The Favourite, andRoma,Green Bookwas not the Best Picture winner many critics or audiences were hoping for. The film is inspired by a true story that sees pianist Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali) forming an unlikely bond with his driver and bodyguard, Tony Lip (Viggo Mortensen). With a story comparable to that of fellow Best Picture winnerDriving Miss Daisy,Green Book’s win was disappointing to many.
Green Book
Green Book is an Oscar-winning road movie starring Viggo Mortensen and Mahershala Ali as Italian American bouncer Tony Lip and pianist prodigy Dr. Don Shirley, respectively. They form an unlikely friendship in the face of the all-pervasive racism and homophobia of the Deep South in the 1960s. The 2018 film is inspired by true events and its title comes from a real-life guidebook made for Black travelers.
The overall critical response to the film was positive, with many reviews expressing admiration towards Ali and Mortensen’s performances. Still, the film’s portrayal of Shirley and the overarching depiction of race was met with criticism. Many have felt as thoughGreen Book, and its Best Picture win, signifies Hollywood’s inability to move past stories that portray Black characters as being solely beneficial to their white counterparts. Though its win is still relatively fresh,Green Bookis not a film that audiences appear to be eager to return to.
5The Last Emperor (1987)
Directed by Bernardo Bertolucci
Along withGigiandThe Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King,The Last Emperoris one of the only films to earn a clean sweep with a considerable number of Oscar nominations (nine). One of these wins was, of course, for Best Picture, which was quite rare for a film produced outside the United States and led by a range of international actors.The film is a grand-scale biographical drama about the last emperor of China, Puyi (portrayed by John Lone when he is an adult).
The Last Emperor
The Last Emperor chronicles the extraordinary life of Pu Yi, the final Emperor of China. From his auspicious birth and short-lived reign in the Forbidden City to his abdication, exploitation during Japanese occupation, and subsequent life as a peasant worker in the People’s Republic, the film spans significant historical transformations.
Taking the throne just before the age of three, Puyi witnessed a great cultural shift and a plethora of political turmoil during his time as emperor, which makes for an extraordinary story to put to film. The detailed and imposing production design in the film aligns with the scale of Puyi’s story. However, despite its critical acclaim and appreciation among cinephiles,most audiences today aren’t seeking outThe Last Emperor.
4The Artist (2011)
Directed by Michel Hazanavicius
Starring Jean Dujardin and Bérénice Bejo,The Artistis a tribute to silent films and earned widespread acclaim following its 2011 release. The movie sees the popularity of sound in film increase, which allows for rising star Peppy Miller (Bejo) to flourish as established silent film actor George Valentin (Dujardin) finds his job opportunities are becoming scarce.There is a clear appreciation for silent cinema, and thanks to the actors' performances and the film’s attention to detail,The Artistfeels authentic.
The Artist
The Artist, released in 2011, is set in Hollywood during the late 1920s. It follows silent film star George Valentin, who faces an uncertain future with the advent of talking pictures, while his path intersects with rising dancer Peppy Miller, poised to achieve stardom.
By critics and audiences alike, the film continues to be celebrated for its innovation and technical achievements. However,the novelty of its artistry has faded in recent years. Modern audiences aren’t likely to seek out the film as they may find certain elements to be too dated. Getting past its visual style, the simple story inThe Artistisn’t enough to prolong the popularity of the film.
3A Beautiful Mind (2001)
Directed by Ron Howard
John Nash wasan American mathematician particularly lauded for his contributions to game theory. Nash is the subject of the biographical dramaA Beautiful Mind, which won Best Picture in 2002 against films likeThe Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the RingandIn the Bedroom.Russell Crowe portrays Nash in the film, which follows him through his time at Princeton University, when working as a cryptographer, and his strained relationship with his wife, Alicia (Jennifer Connelly).
A Beautiful Mind
A Beautiful Mind is a biographical drama depicting the life of renowned mathematician John Forbes Nash Jr., portrayed by Russell Crowe. Released in 2001, the film follows Nash’s groundbreaking contributions to his field and his struggle with schizophrenia, capturing his profound impact on mathematics and personal resilience.
Nash’s schizophrenia diagnosis is a large part of his inspirational story andA Beautiful Minditself. ThoughRon Howard’s film takes creative liberties, exaggerating orcompletely omitting certain events, it’s still incredibly well-made and holds up. Regardless of the film’s moving story or Crowe’s performance,A Beautiful Mindis still relatively standard for a biographical drama, and it’s because of this that the film hasn’t remained as popular over the years.
2How Green Was My Valley (1941)
Directed by John Ford
Every few years, there is a film nominated for Best Picture that audiences are almost certain is going to win, and when it doesn’t, the reputation surrounding the film that did win turns sour. At the 14th Academy Awards in 1942, that film wasHow Green Was My Valley, up against movies likeThe Maltese Falcon,Suspicion, andCitizen Kane, and John Ford’s film won.
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The movie is set within the South Wales coalfields, where that style of life is on the decline. Told from the perspective of a young child (Roddy McDowall) witnessing the negative effects such a change has on his family,How Green Was My Valleyis undoubtedlyone of Ford’s best films.
How Green Was My Valley
How Green Was My Valley is a poignant drama that reflects on the life of a Welsh mining community through the eyes of young Huw Morgan. The film explores the challenges and changes faced by families due to industrialization, offering a heartfelt look at the impact on traditional values and community bonds.
There’s no questioning Ford’s ability as a director, and the film has been praised for being moving without overdoing it and forcing those emotions onto audiences. Still,general audiences have a better time recalling the director’s other films, likeThe Grapes of Wrath,The Quiet Man, andThe Searchers.
1Shakespeare In Love (1998)
Directed by John Madden
Unlike most of the other movies mentioned, there’s a strong argument to be made about the popularity ofShakespeare in Love. The film tellsa fictional story about the love between William Shakespeare (Joseph Fiennes) and Viola de Lesseps(Gwyneth Paltrow) during the time the famous playwright was working onRomeo and Juliet.
Since its Best Picture win at the 71st Academy Awards, Shakespeare in Love has been detested by those who felt Steven Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan was more deserving of the win.
It’s not an easy task to create a fictional tale about a famous figure, especially someone so influential as Shakespeare, but writers Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard pull it off. Additionally, the film has a striking production design, and there’s an appreciated balance of comedy and drama.
Shakespeare in Love
Shakespeare in Love is a romantic comedy directed by John Madden and starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Joseph Fiennes. Released in 1998, the film follows playwright Shakespeare as he attempts to seduce the owner of a rival theater.
While the film’s quality and unique approach to Shakespeare’s life merits a rewatch every now and then,much of the attention given to the film is for the wrong reasons. Since its Best Picture win at the 71st Academy Awards,Shakespeare in Lovehas been detested by those who feltSteven Spielberg’sSaving Private Ryanwas more deservingof the win.
