Devin Jacobs
The Oscars are never short on drama, especially when the nominations list is announced. Every so often, the Academy throws a curveball, nominating films and performances that no one saw coming. These 15 surprising Oscar nominations not only sparked conversations but also highlighted the unpredictable nature of Hollywood’s biggest night.
Crash (2004)
When “Crash” won the Best Picture award, it shocked viewers by topping favorites like “Brokeback Mountain.” The interwoven stories of racial tensions in Los Angeles received mixed reviews. Critics did not like the heavy-handed approach to social issues and described it as contrived and manipulative.
Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)
Garnering significant attention, “Bohemian Rhapsody” won Best Actor for Rami Malek and earned a Best Picture nomination. Viewers praised the film’s performances and music but debated whether it deserved the nomination. Historical inaccuracies and mechanical storytelling made some argue that it shouldn’t have competed that year.
The Blind Side (2009)
Based on Michael Oher’s true story, the film earned Sandra Bullock her first Oscar. However, some argued that its portrayal of racial dynamics was oversimplified. Its Best Picture nomination, seen as a reflection of its popular appeal rather than its quality, ignited a thought-provoking debate among critics.
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (2011)
“Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close” tells the tale of a young boy searching for a message from his father, who died on 9/11. Although many considered its Best Picture nomination unworthy, saying it was overly sentimental and manipulative, it received praise for its emotional depth and storytelling.
The Reader (2008)
Kate Winslet’s performance in “The Reader” won praise and earned her an Oscar, but the movie itself was a hotbed of controversy. Viewers felt the narrative was problematic and detracted from the larger historical context, and the Best Picture nomination overshadowed more deserving films, which sparked a heated debate.
Chocolat (2000)
Set in a conservative French village, “Chocolat” received several nominations, including Best Picture. Despite its charm and visual appeal, critics found it lightweight and predictable. The lack of substantial depth led many to believe its nominations were more about its feel-good factor.
Suicide Squad (2016)
Many were surprised when ‘Suicide Squad’ won an Oscar for Best Makeup and Hairstyling. Although the makeup and hairstyling were undeniably impressive, critics argued that the film’s overall lack of quality should have disqualified it from receiving any accolades.
Norbit (2007)
“Norbit” is a comedy that starred Eddie Murphy in multiple roles. Viewers criticized it for offensive humor and poor storytelling and felt that its recognition at the Oscars for Best Makeup was anything but deserving.
Fifty Shades of Grey (2015)
This show received a nomination for Best Original Song. The song was popular, but the film could have had better dialogue, performances, and portrayals. Many believed its presence at the Oscars reflected commercial success rather than artistic merit.
Life of Pi (2012)
Winning Best Cinematography at the 85th Academy Awards, “Life of Pi” sparked controversy due to its heavy reliance on digital effects. Debates began about the relationship between cinematography and visual effects in modern filmmaking. Veteran cinematographer Christopher Doyle criticized the decision, calling it an “insult to cinematography.”
Shakespeare in Love (1998)
The 1999 Oscars shocked viewers when “Shakespeare in Love” upset “Saving Private Ryan” for Best Picture. Despite Spielberg’s war epic being the presumed frontrunner with 11 nominations, Harvey Weinstein’s aggressive campaigning for “Shakespeare in Love” proved successful.
The King’s Speech (2010)
When “The King’s Speech” won Best Picture and Best Director over the critically acclaimed “The Social Network,” it sparked controversy. Viewers were dismayed that the drama triumphed over Fincher’s Facebook story, widely considered one of the 21st century’s best films.
Green Book (2018)
“Green Book” dethroned “Crash” as the most controversial Best Picture winner of the 21st century when it won at the 91st Academy Awards. Depicting the relationship between Black jazz pianist Don Shirley and his driver Tony Lip, the film triumphed over Alfonso Cuarón’s critically acclaimed “Roma.”
Driving Miss Daisy (1989)
It was the Best Picture and Best Actress winner at the 1990 Awards, beating “Born on the Fourth of July” and others. It was a controversial win as Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing” received only one nomination, based on preference for a more sanitized portrayal of race relations.
The Phantom Menace (1999)
“Star Wars: Episode I—The Phantom Menace” was nominated for Best Sound Effects Editing at the Oscars. Critics praised the film’s technical achievements, but the weak plot and lack of character development were points of contention.
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