In 1942, a monumental upset occurred at the 14th Academy Awards when “How Green Was My Valley” won over the classic “Citizen Kane.” While Orson Welles’ masterpiece has since garnered critical acclaim and secured its place on various best movie lists, the victory of the lesser-known film left many bewildered.
Alfred Hitchcock, renowned for his directorial genius in films like “Vertigo,” “Psycho,” and “The Birds,” never received the accolade for Best Director, despite being nominated five times. The Academy eventually acknowledged his contributions by posthumously awarding him the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award in 1968.
Glenn Close, with a record of eight Oscar nominations without a win, was once again overlooked in 2019 despite high expectations for her performance in “The Wife.” This ongoing trend of near misses has cemented her status as a perennial nominee.
The unexpected triumph of “Shakespeare in Love” over “Saving Private Ryan” in 1999, attributed to aggressive campaigning led by Harvey Weinstein, remains a controversial moment in Oscar history. The subsequent revelations regarding Weinstein’s misconduct have cast a shadow over the former’s victory.
Spike Lee, known for his groundbreaking work in films such as “Do the Right Thing” and “Malcolm X,” has faced disappointments at the Oscars, with only one nomination for Best Director and the notable snub of “Do the Right Thing” for Best Picture in 1990. Despite these oversights, Lee has received recognition for his contributions, winning an honorary Oscar in 2015.
Stanley Kubrick, the visionary director behind iconic films like “2001: A Space Odyssey” and “A Clockwork Orange,” never clinched a Best Director Oscar, despite four nominations. His impact on cinema is undeniable, with his technical prowess acknowledged through a win for visual effects on “2001: A Space Odyssey.”
Pam Grier’s standout performance in “Jackie Brown” failed to secure her an Oscar nomination in 1997, much to the disappointment of fans. Meanwhile, Peter O’Toole, celebrated for his role in “Lawrence of Arabia,” faced a similar fate with multiple unsuccessful attempts at winning an Academy Award.
Peter O’Toole headed home Oscar-less, despite garnering 10 nominations throughout his illustrious career. With eight nods to his name, including a memorable one for the iconic 1962 film “Lawrence of Arabia,” O’Toole remained a perpetual nominee, never having clinched the coveted award. However, in a heartwarming turn of events, the esteemed actor was bestowed with an honorary Oscar in 2003, a moment he graciously embraced at the Academy Awards ceremony. In a display of wit and charm, O’Toole quipped on stage, “Always a bridesmaid, never a bride, my foot.” His final acting nomination came in 2007 for the critically acclaimed film “Venus,” before he bid farewell to the world in 2013 at the age of 81.
Similarly, the incomparable Cicely Tyson, a shining star in the realm of cinema, was a recipient long overdue for the golden statuette. Nominated once in 1973 for her poignant portrayal in the Depression-era drama “Sounder,” Tyson faced defeat as Liza Minnelli clinched the award for “Cabaret.” Despite the setback, Tyson’s cinematic legacy thrived, earning adoration for her later roles, particularly as Viola Davis’ mother in the television series “How to Get Away With Murder.” Her impactful contributions in film were marked by unforgettable performances in a diverse array of movies such as “The River Niger,” “Fried Green Tomatoes,” “The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter,” “Diary of A Mad Black Woman,” “The Help,” and “Last Flag Flying.” It was in 2018 that Tyson, as a trailblazer, became the first woman of color to receive an honorary Academy Award. The momentous occasion was met with gratitude as Tyson remarked at the Governors Awards, calling it “the culmination of all those years of have and have-not.” The esteemed actress bid her final farewell in 2021 at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations.
In a shocking turn of events at the 2006 Academy Awards, the cinematic landscape was abuzz with disbelief when “Brokeback Mountain,” a poignant tale of love between two cowboys portrayed by Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger, was eclipsed by “Crash” for the coveted title of best picture. Jack Nicholson’s stunned expression said it all as he announced the unexpected victory of “Crash,” a gripping drama delving into racial tensions in Los Angeles. The upset marked a watershed moment in Oscars history, leaving many scratching their heads in perplexity. Even “Crash” writer/director Paul Haggis expressed doubts regarding the win, pondering in a 2015 interview with HitFix, “Was it the best film of the year? I don’t think so.” This intriguing chapter in Hollywood’s archive serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of award ceremonies, setting the stage
