Best Of The Academy - Part 3
In this final installment of the series, I would be naming what in my opinion are top choices as the Best Picture winner.
Counting Down The Best : 25-1
25. 1981: Chariots Of Fire
An inspiring film about two athletes with different beliefs but one goal: to win an Olympic gold. The music by Vangelis is phenomenal as is everything else.
24. 1977: Annie Hall
A film by the great Woody Allen, on the relationship between two people who are polar opposites of each other. The writing is top class and Woody is at his neurotic best. Although a great film, the Academy should have shown imagination in naming a different film. The same imagination that was unleashed by George Lucas and his far away galaxy.
23. 1980: Ordinary People
An elegantly crafted movie by first-time director Robert Redford, it is a tragic look at a family which is slowly falling apart after the death of their eldest son. Donald Sutherland gives a heart breaking performance as the father trying to keep it together while Timothy Hutton (Best Supporting Actor) as the youngest son is the find of the film.
22. 1964: My Fair Lady
A delightful musical comedy, it has stood the test of time and is as fresh to watch today as was the year of its release. Rex Harrison (Best Actor) is outrageously good as ‘Prof. Henry Higgins’ and the songs are superb. Definitely brings on a smile each time you watch it.
21. 1978: Deer Hunter, The
A bone-chilling movie about the Vietnam War and its aftermath. Robert De Niro is fantastic but its Christopher Walken’s (Best Supporting Actor) brilliant performance which goes to show that for some soldiers, the war doesn’t end after the guns stop blazing.
20. 1998: Shakespeare In Love
Although I will always maintain that “Saving Private Ryan” should have won that year, this one is a splendid film. In fact it is a shame that they had to go against each other. Marvelous screenplay, direction and acting make each and every scene a delight.
19. 1950: All About Eve
An all time classic about backstabbing and betrayal in show business, this might be the best acted movie to win the award. In fact it was good enough to beat Billy Wilder’s greatest masterpiece “Sunset Boulevard”. Each performance is spot-on and the film is flawless. If not for anything else, watch for the legend of Betty Davis.
18. 1976: Rocky
Gave birth to the most popular folk heroes of cinema. It is a heartwarming movie about a likeable guy and his one shot at glory. The scene with Sylvester Stallone and his arms raised on top of the steps has become etched in history.
17. 1960: Apartment, The
Billy Wilder has created a movie which will make you smile while leaving you with a heavy heart. Jack Lemmon is terrific as a man who prefers to be lonely whilst advancing his career. A wonderful movie from the best writer-director to ever work in Hollywood.
16. 1929-30: All Quite On The Western Front
A WWI film which is unique since it is entirely from the German point of view. Not dated despite all these years, it has one of the indelible images of cinema as its last shot with the soldier and the butterfly.
15. 1990: Dances With Wolves
Kevin Costner steps into the director’s chair and also stars in this grand picture about the undiscovered Western frontier during the civil war and the native Indians who lived there. The locations are breathtaking and though the story moves at a slow pace, it is involving nevertheless.
14. 1946: Best Years Of Our Lives, The
This is a terrific film portraying the struggles which WWII veterans face after returning back to their civilian lives. It has unforgettable performances especially by Harold Russell (Best Supporting Actor). Teresa Wright plays one of the nicest characters on screen with whom any man can fall in love. A true gem and an ageless wonder, it did beat Jimmy Stewart and Frank Capra’s greatest classic, “It’s A Wonderful Life”.
13. 1991: Silence Of The Lambs
Certainly the best title that any movie, let alone an Academy award winning movie has had, it showcases the greatest performance as a villain, by Anthony Hopkins (Best Actor). Scary yet riveting, it is one of the finest thrillers of all time. Jodie Foster (Best Actress) is also very good and the chemistry between her and Hopkins is perhaps the best that two people who are not involved romantically, have ever had.
12. 1974: Godfather, The Part II
The sequel to an iconic film had much to live up to and it does so splendidly. Once again, we are attracted to the world of the Corleone’s and can’t take our eyes away, no matter how violent their lives get. Great acting all around, including a career performance by Al Pacino.
11. 1982: Gandhi
A well made biography of the great person who influenced the lives of many. Ben Kingsley (Best Actor) has embodied the spirit of the man and in doing so educated an entire new generation of people about the spirituality of the ‘Mahatma’. This is a testament to the filmmakers who have succeeded in this huge undertaking. It was unfortunate that the main competition came from one of the most endearing films of all time, “ET: The Extra Terrestrial.”
10. 2004: Million Dollar Baby
Clint Eastwood gives an emphatic proof that in this day and age of modern cinema, a plain story if told well, can do miracles. A masterpiece of simplicity, it will blindside you with its emotional center. This movie ought to be a mandatory lesson in film school.
9. 1954: On The Waterfront
Quite simply the best acting performance in cinema, it made Marlon Brando (Best Actor) a legend. That scene in the taxicab is unforgettable in its raw emotion.
8. 1962: Lawrence Of Arabia
The most definitive scene in the movie is Omar Sharif’s entry as a mirage in the scorching desert and that perhaps is one of the most outstanding shots in cinema. This movie is an extraordinary vision of one man, David Lean, (Best Director) who believed that it was possible to make a movie under the backdrop of a desert and in doing so, fashioned an epic.
7. 1994: Forrest Gump
An American treasure, it is a memorable look at events in American cultural history from 50’s to the 80’s through the eyes of a simpleton. Tom Hanks (Best Actor) gives the performance of his career. Brilliant!
6. 1939: Gone With The Wind
Perhaps not the best movie of all time, but for its time, it is certainly one of the grandest productions to have been brought to the screen. It is believed to be the most widely watched movie of all time and deserves its place amongst the pantheon of legends. But for a minute, consider some of the movies in the competition (from 10): “Mr. Smith Goes To Washington”, “The Wizard Of Oz”, “Wuthering Heights”, “Goodbye Mr. Chips”, “Ninotchka” and “Stagecoach”.
5. 1993: Schindler’s List
Steven Spielberg’s most personal film, it is a gruesome yet necessary depiction of the holocaust and a reminder how one individual can possess the ability to change the fate of generations. It also brought a long-overdue Best Director award for Spielberg.
4. 1965: Sound Of Music, The
Oh what a wonderful movie. An absolute pleasure to watch, it is everything cinema should be and more. Great songs and awe-inspiring cinematography make this an experience to behold.
3. 1972: Godfather, The
A perfect film! Flawless in all aspects, it is a compelling look at the mafia and the Corleone family in particular. Marlon Brando (Best Actor), Al Pacino, James Cann and Robert Duvall create characters that will be remembered for years.
2. 2003: Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King
A once in a lifetime experience which no other movie can surpass. Just making this series is cinematic equivalent of climbing Mount Everest without oxygen. Then why is it at number 2? The only reason being because it is a part of a trilogy. On its whole the series is unparalleled, but individually they do not make a complete film like The Godfather I or II. Thus, I have to acknowledge the following movie as the finest to win a ‘Best Picture’ award.
1. 1997: Titanic
A film made with astonishing passion, it is incredible in its planning and execution. James Cameroon (Best Director) has done an almost impossible task of combining a very good fictional love story with the chilling reality of the greatest maritime disaster. I cannot imagine the real event being any different from what is shown. A masterpiece, which although was commercially an unprecedented success, is not given its rightful due as one of the greatest films of all times.
There it is. My list of the 77 movies that won the Academy award for ‘Best Picture.’ Very often, people complain that the films which Academy chooses for nomination are ‘art house material’ and not entertaining. Some others complain about the exact opposite saying that Academy ignores independent films. It is quite impossible to please everybody but in my opinion, Academy awards are the true reflection of cinematic excellence. All of films mentioned above are good movies and some of them are legendary. Academy awards for me remain the benchmark of greatness and I for one am convinced of their legacy. Come Sunday the 78th film will be crowned and after seeing all 5 of this years nominated films, I know what I am cheering for. Like the previous two years, as soon as I saw this one, I knew that it was the best film of the year and would require a special effort to beat it. Although released in April, no film since has come close. So I hope that the 78th Best picture is none other than my favorite film of 2005, “Crash”.
Counting Down The Best : 25-1
25. 1981: Chariots Of Fire
An inspiring film about two athletes with different beliefs but one goal: to win an Olympic gold. The music by Vangelis is phenomenal as is everything else.
24. 1977: Annie Hall
A film by the great Woody Allen, on the relationship between two people who are polar opposites of each other. The writing is top class and Woody is at his neurotic best. Although a great film, the Academy should have shown imagination in naming a different film. The same imagination that was unleashed by George Lucas and his far away galaxy.
23. 1980: Ordinary People
An elegantly crafted movie by first-time director Robert Redford, it is a tragic look at a family which is slowly falling apart after the death of their eldest son. Donald Sutherland gives a heart breaking performance as the father trying to keep it together while Timothy Hutton (Best Supporting Actor) as the youngest son is the find of the film.
22. 1964: My Fair Lady
A delightful musical comedy, it has stood the test of time and is as fresh to watch today as was the year of its release. Rex Harrison (Best Actor) is outrageously good as ‘Prof. Henry Higgins’ and the songs are superb. Definitely brings on a smile each time you watch it.
21. 1978: Deer Hunter, The
A bone-chilling movie about the Vietnam War and its aftermath. Robert De Niro is fantastic but its Christopher Walken’s (Best Supporting Actor) brilliant performance which goes to show that for some soldiers, the war doesn’t end after the guns stop blazing.
20. 1998: Shakespeare In Love
Although I will always maintain that “Saving Private Ryan” should have won that year, this one is a splendid film. In fact it is a shame that they had to go against each other. Marvelous screenplay, direction and acting make each and every scene a delight.
19. 1950: All About Eve
An all time classic about backstabbing and betrayal in show business, this might be the best acted movie to win the award. In fact it was good enough to beat Billy Wilder’s greatest masterpiece “Sunset Boulevard”. Each performance is spot-on and the film is flawless. If not for anything else, watch for the legend of Betty Davis.
18. 1976: Rocky
Gave birth to the most popular folk heroes of cinema. It is a heartwarming movie about a likeable guy and his one shot at glory. The scene with Sylvester Stallone and his arms raised on top of the steps has become etched in history.
17. 1960: Apartment, The
Billy Wilder has created a movie which will make you smile while leaving you with a heavy heart. Jack Lemmon is terrific as a man who prefers to be lonely whilst advancing his career. A wonderful movie from the best writer-director to ever work in Hollywood.
16. 1929-30: All Quite On The Western Front
A WWI film which is unique since it is entirely from the German point of view. Not dated despite all these years, it has one of the indelible images of cinema as its last shot with the soldier and the butterfly.
15. 1990: Dances With Wolves
Kevin Costner steps into the director’s chair and also stars in this grand picture about the undiscovered Western frontier during the civil war and the native Indians who lived there. The locations are breathtaking and though the story moves at a slow pace, it is involving nevertheless.
14. 1946: Best Years Of Our Lives, The
This is a terrific film portraying the struggles which WWII veterans face after returning back to their civilian lives. It has unforgettable performances especially by Harold Russell (Best Supporting Actor). Teresa Wright plays one of the nicest characters on screen with whom any man can fall in love. A true gem and an ageless wonder, it did beat Jimmy Stewart and Frank Capra’s greatest classic, “It’s A Wonderful Life”.
13. 1991: Silence Of The Lambs
Certainly the best title that any movie, let alone an Academy award winning movie has had, it showcases the greatest performance as a villain, by Anthony Hopkins (Best Actor). Scary yet riveting, it is one of the finest thrillers of all time. Jodie Foster (Best Actress) is also very good and the chemistry between her and Hopkins is perhaps the best that two people who are not involved romantically, have ever had.
12. 1974: Godfather, The Part II
The sequel to an iconic film had much to live up to and it does so splendidly. Once again, we are attracted to the world of the Corleone’s and can’t take our eyes away, no matter how violent their lives get. Great acting all around, including a career performance by Al Pacino.
11. 1982: Gandhi
A well made biography of the great person who influenced the lives of many. Ben Kingsley (Best Actor) has embodied the spirit of the man and in doing so educated an entire new generation of people about the spirituality of the ‘Mahatma’. This is a testament to the filmmakers who have succeeded in this huge undertaking. It was unfortunate that the main competition came from one of the most endearing films of all time, “ET: The Extra Terrestrial.”
10. 2004: Million Dollar Baby
Clint Eastwood gives an emphatic proof that in this day and age of modern cinema, a plain story if told well, can do miracles. A masterpiece of simplicity, it will blindside you with its emotional center. This movie ought to be a mandatory lesson in film school.
9. 1954: On The Waterfront
Quite simply the best acting performance in cinema, it made Marlon Brando (Best Actor) a legend. That scene in the taxicab is unforgettable in its raw emotion.
8. 1962: Lawrence Of Arabia
The most definitive scene in the movie is Omar Sharif’s entry as a mirage in the scorching desert and that perhaps is one of the most outstanding shots in cinema. This movie is an extraordinary vision of one man, David Lean, (Best Director) who believed that it was possible to make a movie under the backdrop of a desert and in doing so, fashioned an epic.
7. 1994: Forrest Gump
An American treasure, it is a memorable look at events in American cultural history from 50’s to the 80’s through the eyes of a simpleton. Tom Hanks (Best Actor) gives the performance of his career. Brilliant!
6. 1939: Gone With The Wind
Perhaps not the best movie of all time, but for its time, it is certainly one of the grandest productions to have been brought to the screen. It is believed to be the most widely watched movie of all time and deserves its place amongst the pantheon of legends. But for a minute, consider some of the movies in the competition (from 10): “Mr. Smith Goes To Washington”, “The Wizard Of Oz”, “Wuthering Heights”, “Goodbye Mr. Chips”, “Ninotchka” and “Stagecoach”.
5. 1993: Schindler’s List
Steven Spielberg’s most personal film, it is a gruesome yet necessary depiction of the holocaust and a reminder how one individual can possess the ability to change the fate of generations. It also brought a long-overdue Best Director award for Spielberg.
4. 1965: Sound Of Music, The
Oh what a wonderful movie. An absolute pleasure to watch, it is everything cinema should be and more. Great songs and awe-inspiring cinematography make this an experience to behold.
3. 1972: Godfather, The
A perfect film! Flawless in all aspects, it is a compelling look at the mafia and the Corleone family in particular. Marlon Brando (Best Actor), Al Pacino, James Cann and Robert Duvall create characters that will be remembered for years.
2. 2003: Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King
A once in a lifetime experience which no other movie can surpass. Just making this series is cinematic equivalent of climbing Mount Everest without oxygen. Then why is it at number 2? The only reason being because it is a part of a trilogy. On its whole the series is unparalleled, but individually they do not make a complete film like The Godfather I or II. Thus, I have to acknowledge the following movie as the finest to win a ‘Best Picture’ award.
1. 1997: Titanic
A film made with astonishing passion, it is incredible in its planning and execution. James Cameroon (Best Director) has done an almost impossible task of combining a very good fictional love story with the chilling reality of the greatest maritime disaster. I cannot imagine the real event being any different from what is shown. A masterpiece, which although was commercially an unprecedented success, is not given its rightful due as one of the greatest films of all times.
There it is. My list of the 77 movies that won the Academy award for ‘Best Picture.’ Very often, people complain that the films which Academy chooses for nomination are ‘art house material’ and not entertaining. Some others complain about the exact opposite saying that Academy ignores independent films. It is quite impossible to please everybody but in my opinion, Academy awards are the true reflection of cinematic excellence. All of films mentioned above are good movies and some of them are legendary. Academy awards for me remain the benchmark of greatness and I for one am convinced of their legacy. Come Sunday the 78th film will be crowned and after seeing all 5 of this years nominated films, I know what I am cheering for. Like the previous two years, as soon as I saw this one, I knew that it was the best film of the year and would require a special effort to beat it. Although released in April, no film since has come close. So I hope that the 78th Best picture is none other than my favorite film of 2005, “Crash”.
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