Key Takeaways:
– Major classics and critically acclaimed films like Taxi Driver, The Shawshank Redemption, and Blade Runner failed to win an Oscar.
– Despite their cultural impact and critical success, these outstanding films were overshadowed at the Academy Awards.
– Their absence from the list of Oscar winners sparks questions about the Academy Awards criteria for recognition.
The Academy Awards, or the Oscars, represent one of the highest honors in the international film industry. With its wide platform, the event provides the opportunity for multilingual films to gain global recognition. Cinema’s giants, from Titanic to Avatar, have been worthily crowned by the Academy. Renowned directors such as Steven Spielberg and Christopher Nolan have produced lauded works, contributing to Hollywood’s rich history of cult classics and critically acclaimed films.
However, not all widely celebrated films or directors share the same narrative. Some exquisite cinema masterpieces, despite their distinct storylines and unique concepts, have surprisingly been overlooked by the Academy. The reasons remain unknown, sparking debate among film enthusiasts. Here are seven notable films that, despite their remarkable contributions to cinema, failed to garner any award at the Academy Awards.
“The Shawshank Redemption”
Stephen King’s adaptations have a significant following, and The Shawshank Redemption was no exception. Despite a lackluster box office performance upon its release in 1994 due to stiff competition from movies like Pulp Fiction, Shawshank Redemption eventually gained popularity and a cult following. Despite being nominated for seven awards, including Best Picture in 1995, the famed prison drama went home empty-handed. This film is currently streaming on HBO Max.
“Taxi Driver”
Master filmmaker Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver paints an immersive picture of the post-Vietnam War era in New York City. Although star player Robert De Niro was nominated for Best Actor at the Academy Awards, the Oscar was ultimately given to Peter Finch. This gritty 1976 thriller can be streamed on HBO Max.
“Blade Runner”
The 1982 science fiction film Blade Runner wasn’t initially well-received. However, over time, the film’s reputation has gotten a significant uplift, being cited as one of the best works of its genre. Despite being nominated for two Oscars in 1983, it didn’t win any category. A sequel was released in 2017, and both films are available on Apple TV.
“Psycho”
Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho is revered as an all-time great film and a precursor to the modern slasher movie genre. Even though it received four nominations at the Academy Awards, including Best Director, it failed to win any. The film can be streamed for free on MUBI and Apple TV.
“12 Angry Men”
12 Angry Men, a gripping legal drama hugely popular among cinema lovers, is another example of Oscar-nominated yet non-awarded films. Despite not performing well initially, it received widespread acclaim after its television premiere. The film can be streamed on Tubi and Apple TV.
“Seven Samurai”
Seven Samurai, considered as one of the longest films ever made, was a commercial hit with Japanese audiences. Nominated for two Academy Awards for Art Direction and Costume Design, it shockingly lost in both categories. The film is available on Apple TV and MUBI.
“Field of Dreams”
1990’s sports fantasy film Field of Dreams was commercially successful and enjoyed critical acclaim, fetching nominations including Best Adapted Screenplay at the Academy Awards. Despite this, it did not win any award. The film is available on Apple TV.
Ultimately, the absence of such well-regarded films from the Oscar winners’ list poses questions about the Academy Awards’ criteria. Nevertheless, these movies have left an indelible mark on global cinema, demonstrating that an Oscar isn’t the only testament of a film’s remarkable quality. Their legacies continue to be celebrated, engraving them forever in the annals of film history.
