The Academy Awards, better known as the Oscars, comprise one of the, if not the most prestigious, awards you may hope to be endowed with in the entertainment industry. The categories span many accolades, from screenplay to production and, of course, acting. You may, however, be mostfamiliar with the “Big Five” awards, which specifically refer to the awards granted for Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, and Screenplay (either original or adapted). Regardless of which category, a win of one, let alone multiple, of these renowned awards is sure to boost your career as a professional in the movie industry and sets the highest of viewing expectations for avid film lovers.
As we have just witnessed the long-awaited release of this year’s nominations for the imminent prize ceremony, this article looks at the top 10 most decorated movies from past Academy Award shows.
10Slumdog Millionaire - 8 Oscars
Directed by Danny Boyle and written by Simon Beaufoy.Slumdog Millionaireis a 2008 British drama that tells the story of Jamal Malik (Dev Patel) a young man from an impoverished part of Mumbai, who becomes a participant Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?. His brilliant performance will generate accusations of cheating.Slumdog Millionairewas a box office success and a catch-all at the 81st Academy Awards ceremony.
Intertwining elements of romance, family, and social realism,Slumdog Millionaireis an engaging and thoughtful movie that shines a light to the precarious and poor conditions of many inhabitants of Mumbai. Simultaneously, the movie also show a lighter and entertaining side. Patel is impressive in his performance and his capabilities as an actor makes the audience root for his character even more. Moreover, the technical aspect is top-notch: Boyle is in great shape, while A. R. Rahman’s soundtrack is fascinating.
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9Gandhi - 8 Oscars
Gandhi, directed and produced by Richard Attenborough and based on a screenplay by John Briley, tells the remarkable story of Mahatma Gandhi’s life and political accomplishments from 1893 until his death. This period biographical film, released in 1982, not only captures the essence of the political struggles between the British Empire and India in a cinematically stunning way but is also heavily praised for its historically accurate portrayal of the devastating results of British colonialism in India.
As a co-production between the two countries, it aptly centers the nonviolent non-cooperative Indian independence movement against the British Empire during the 20th century. Ben Kingsley brings the character to life as the leader and face of this campaign, earning him one of the eight prizes the movie was deservingly awarded. Visually beautiful,Gandhi is considered one of the greatest biopic of all time and Attenborough’s best accomplishment.
8Amadeus - 8 Oscars
Directed by Milos Forman and based on the homonymous play by Peter Shaffer, who also wrote the screenplay,Amadeustells the story of the Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Tom Hulce) and its rivalry with fellow Italian composer Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham). Featuring an amazing soundtrack comprised of many Mozart’s compositions,Amadeusis one of thebest movies in Forman’s careerand, by far, the greatest movie about classical music.
At first sight, the production design by Patrizia von Brandenstein is as impressive and lavish as it should be, perfectly capturing the luxurious settings of 18th-century Vienna. Moreover, both Hulce and Abraham deliver outstanding and passionate performances, being able to convey perfectly the themes of the movie. Forman doesn’t waste nor err one single shot.Amadeusis a flawless masterpiece that stands the test of time and that forever crystallizes in cinematic history the rebellious genius of the Austrian composer.
7Gigi - 9 Oscars
Gigiwas directed by Vincente Minnelli and is based on the homonymous novella by Colette. Set in Paris during the Belle Époque, the movie stars Leslie Caron as Gigi, a lighthearted young woman who is trained to become a courtesan. Meanwhile, she frequents Gaston Lachaille (Louis Jourdan), a wealthy playboy. Just likeThe Last Emperor,Gigitook home all its Oscar nominations.
Characterized by an impressive and lush production design and exquisite costumes,Gigi’s detailed description of the wealthy Parisian atmosphere at the turn of the 20th century is impeccable. At the same time, this musical is memorable for its stupendous soundtrack composed by Frederick Loewe and conducted by André Previn. Over the years,Gigi’s visuals couldn’t overcome the objectionable depiction of women and its inherent backwardness. For this reason,Gigiis a movie that didn’t stand the test of time, despite its esthetical beauty.
6The Last Emperor - 9 Oscars
Co-written and directed by Italian master Bernardo Bertolucci,The Last Emperorstars John Lone as Puyi, the last emperor of China. It tells the vicissitudes of his life, from his crowning to his “political re-education” in Maoist China. Nominated for nine Academy Awards, it won all of them.
The Last Emperorbeautifully mixes form and substance. Thecinematography by Vittorio Storarois pure magic: expressionist and full of colors, every scene should be literally framed and considered a work of art. The soundtrack composed by Ryuichi Sakamoto, David Byrne, and Cong Su elevates the scenes and donates the “epic ness” that is necessary for this type of movie. At the same time, Bertolucci’s esthetical and poetic trademark style reaches its peak, helped by the possibility of shooting freely in the Forbidden City. A masterful artistic accomplishment.
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5The English Patient - 9 Oscars
The English Patientwas written and directed by Anthony Minghella, and it’s based on the homonymous novel by Michael Ondaatje. Italy, World War II. A severely burnt anonymous patient speaking with an English accent (Ralph Fiennes) recalls memories he has of his life through flashbacks while being cared for by a nurse named Hana (Juliette Binoche).The English Patientis a beautifully crafted and emotionally powerful film that will stay with you for a long time.
Featuring amazing cinematography by John Seale, especially powerful during the desert scenes,The English Patientstars an amazing cast with strong performances and a dramatic and evocative soundtrack by Gabrie Yared. Simultaneously, the filmmaker Anthony Minghella shows mature and pitch-perfect directing, capable of sustaining such a long and complex movie. Commercially successful, The English Patienthas been regarded as a masterpiece and the diamond tip of the English director.
4West Side Story - 10 Oscars
West Side Storywas directed by Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins, and it’s based on the homonymous 1957 Broadway musical and Shakespeare’s play Romeo and Juliet. Upper West Side, New York. The Jets and the Sharks are two rival gangs who compete for the control of the territory; while tensions are high, Tony (Richard Beymer) from the Jets and the sister of the Sharks leader Maria (Natalie Wood) fall in love.
West Side Storyis a quintessential musical featuring atimeless soundtrack by Leonard Bernsteinand Stephen Sondheim and a dynamic choreography by Jerome Robbins. At the same time, the movie gives us classic and amazing performances from the ensemble cast. A masterpiece of the musical genre,West Side Storyhas stuck in the memory of cinema goers, to the point that Steven Spielberg decided to remake the movies exactly 50 years since the original was released.
3The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King - 11 Oscars
Co-produced and directed by Peter Jackson and based on the homonymous novel by J.R.R. Tolkien,The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the Kingis the third and final installment of the franchise. While most of the remaining members of the fellowship, led by Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) and Gandalf (Ian McKellen), are battling in Gondor against Sauron’s army, Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Samwise (Sean Astin) arrive at Mordor to destroy the Ring.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the Kingfeatures strong performances from all the cast, with a particular emphasis on Viggo Mortensen’s interpretation. At the same time, the necessary “epic ness” that a movie like this oozes is rendered through magnificent special effects. Peter Jackson is impressive behind the camera, gifting us some of the most recognizable battle scenes ever. Winning almost all the Oscar categories it was nominated for, this movie became legendary.
2Ben-Hur - 11 Oscars
Ben-Hurwas directed by William Wyler, and it is based on the 1880 novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ by Lew Wallace. The movie tells the story of Judah Ben-Hur (Charlton Heston), a wealthy Jewish prince who gets falsely accused by childhood friend Messala (Stephen Boyd) of attempting at the life of the new governor of Judea. Sent into slavery,Ben-Hurwill find both revenge and redemption.
Ben-Hurhas stood the test of time and has been renowned for its epic chariot race. Produced with thehighest budget everfor the time, the movie became a world phenomenon and gave us of one the greatest interpretation from classic actor Charlton Heston. At the same time,Ben-Hurshines for the mighty use of extras and a fine cinematography. A monumental achievement in cinema history, this 1959 epic movie continues to impress decades after its release.
1Titanic - 11 Oscars
Titanicwas directed, written, co-produced, and co-edited by James Cameron. The film follows the story of a young couple with class differences: Leonardo DiCaprio plays the working class traveler Jack Dawson and Kate Winslet is Rose DeWitt Bukater, a high class young woman promised to Caledon Hockley (Billy Zane) in a combined marriage. Jack and Rose fall in love, but the tragedy is around the corner.Titanicis considered one of the highest-grossing films of all time, and it won 11 Academy Awards.
Known for its spectacular visual effects and its impressive budget for the time,Titanicis a showcase for the epic potential of cinema. The colossal soundtrack, the strong performances of the lead actors, and the cinematic vision of Cameron still resounds today. At the same time, despite the love story that captured an entire world,Titanicdoesn’t shy away from asubtle political commentary.
