Not many movies attract audiences to theatres like Oscar-winners. Since the 1930’s, the Academy Awards have created unforgettable movies. Whether it’s gangsters, parasitic housekeepers or serial killers, the Oscars has awarded several characters. Given the number of movies the Academy has awarded, making a top 10 list isn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite Oscar-winners that deserve to be celebrated.
1. Schindler’s List
The Holocaust is a sensitive subject matter that always fascinated my teacher. At an early age, I was taught about the Holocaust by a professor that possessed great knowledge about genocide damage. Several years ago, I was taught about dark genocides by a Jewish teacher whose parents died in grim ghetto. He would often take pride in teaching students about a gruesome genocide in which his people died. My teacher believed that movies were an inferior art that couldn’t capture a genocide which tore lives apart. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured a genocide in which terror would persist as powerfully as “Schindler’s List”. Ever since its release in 1993, Steven Spielberg’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest Oscar-winning film ever made. With the greatest film of his career, Spielberg used innovative cinematic techniques to capture a mass genocide that caused despair. Spielberg has always had an aptitude for making movies about historical events putting lives in danger, and “Schindler’s List” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. One of the most common techniques that Spielberg uses in his movies is symbolism. Throughout “Schindler’s List”, the girl in the red coat symbolizes hope amidst the gruesome genocide. For instance, the scene in which Schindler reacts with horror seeing the girl in the red coat being slaughtered causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. Ultimately, what makes “Schindler’s List” my favourite Oscar-winning film of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies about the Holocaust targeted towards an intellectual audience, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. The film delivers a meaningful message about genocide which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 90 years after a dark mass genocide in which civilians died, it’s a riveting reminder of a great genre that has produced bold movies about important historical events which have always left audiences satisfied.
2. The Silence of the Lambs
Hannibal Lecter is a renowned serial killer that always fascinated my mother. At an early age, I formed a strong bond with a mother appreciating a serial killer committing murders causing damage. My mother’s obsession with a serial killer murdering lambs first began when she watched “The Silence of the Lambs”. Released in 1991, Jonathan Demme’s movie captured psychotic serial killers. Demme is one of those filmmakers with an aptitude for creating nail-biting thrillers, and “The Silence of the Lambs” showcased his strengths as a director. For instance, the scene in which Clarice Starling interrogates Hannibal Lecter about murders causing trauma is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Anthony Hopkins, who created one of the most iconic serial killers in cinematic history. Ultimately, what makes “The Silence of the Lambs” a commemorated classic is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message acknowledging childhood trauma which would resonate with everyone. Far from a traditional Oscar-winner for Best Picture, its win forever changed the awards ceremony. As unforgettable as murders that Hannibal Lecter has committed, it’s a captivating reminder of a commemorated ceremony that has awarded groundbreaking movies which definitely deserve to be absolutely appreciated.
3. Parasite
Social class is a barrier that impacts housekeepers. Years ago, my family faced grief when we found our housekeeper was a thief. I remember a housekeeper that treated my family in a generous manner. My grandparents were shocked when they found the housekeeper they trusted fully had stolen jewelry. As someone that has witnessed the social class barriers housekeepers fight, I adored “Parasite”. Released in 2019, Bong Joon-ho’s Oscar-winning drama captured social class barriers affecting families in South Korea. Bong Joon-ho effectively uses symbolism to capture the plight of a parasitic family seeking money in a country divided by social inequality. For instance, the scene in which the Kim family hatch a plan to plant parasitic peaches to get ride of the Park family’s housekeeper causing a dilemma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Song Kang-Ho, who embodied a father facing sorrow. Ultimately, what makes “Parasite” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers don’t need to be South Korean to appreciate it. Despite focusing on Korean families, its themes would resonate with everyone. It delivers a commemorated message about social class which would resonate with everyone. A powerful portrait of the frightening parasite class barriers families in South Korea fight, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a ceremony that has always rewarded movies that deserve newsworthy spotlight.
4. The Godfather
Gangsters are great figures that always fascinated my grandfather. At an early age, I formed relationships with a grandfather appreciating gangsters causing damage. An offer he couldn’t refuse, he adored gangsters impacting his worldviews. As someone treasuring a grandfather appreciating gangsters, I adored “The Godfather”. Released in 1972, Francis Ford Coppola’s movie offered a beautiful adaptation of beloved literature about gangsters. Coppola did an extraordinary job adapting a classic book about gangsters. Coppola effectively uses low-key lighting capturing hardships gangsters are facing. For instance, the scene in which Michael Corleone commits his first murder in local restaurants becoming a member of mafia is one of the best moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is a phenomenal performance by Marlon Brando, who embodied a gangster facing sorrow years ago. Ultimately, what makes “The Godfather” a crime classic is its universal appeal. Unlike most movies made during the 1970’s which are often outdated today, it has aged beautifully. A grand adaptation of a great book about gangs given offers they can’t refuse, it’s a bold reminder of a genre producing great movies that have earned rave reviews.
5. A Beautiful Mind
Schizophrenia is a devastating disorder that fascinated my teacher. In high school, I formed strong bonds with a psychology professor interested in a disorder which was cruel. He always sought to educate students in school about a disorder causing lives to deteriorate. As someone treasuring a teacher that was fascinated with a disorder affecting the mind, I adored “A Beautiful Mind”. Released in 2001, Ron Howard’s beautiful masterpiece captured the Schizophrenic mathematician John Nash. Howard uses stunning unreliable narration to capture the mind of a mathematician. For instance, the scene in which John Nash becomes aware that his roommate is a figment of his imagination causing trauma is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance from Russell Crowe, capturing a genius that achieved fame years ago. Ultimately, what makes “A Beautiful Mind” a masterpiece is its universal appeal. Viewers aren’t required to be familiar with John Nash’s theories to appreciate it. The film delivers a strong message about illness which would resonate with everyone. A breathtaking tribute towards a commemorated mathematician that forever changed the world with a beautiful mind, it’s a phenomenal reminder of a great awards show rewarding one-of-a-kind movies shined.
6. 12 Years a Slave
Slavery is a sensitive subject rarely depicted in movies with respect. Hollywood has often shied away from depicting a time in American history that’s misunderstood. In an industry avoiding a subject that’s grave, it’s worth praising “12 Years a Slave”. Released in 2013, Steve McQueen’s movie offered a powerful portrait of slavery. Unlike most movies rewarded by the Oscars, what makes “12 Years a Slave” stand out is its brutality. McQueen uses stunning cinematography capturing a dark time in American history. Assisted by Chiwetel Ejiofor who is amazing in the lead role, McQueen created a portrait of slavery that’s compelling. A powerful portrait of slavery that caused lives of African-American communities to deteriorate, it’s a strong reminder of a commemorated ceremony that has rewarded movies audiences commonly appreciate.
7. Titanic
When it comes to the most tragic events in the history of mankind, it’s worth discussing the sinking of the Titanic. In 1912, the ship sank as a result of striking an iceberg in a disaster. A frightening disaster, the shipwreck built a legacy that’s lasting. In 1997, James Cameron honoured the iconic shipwreck in his classic film “Titanic”. Unlike most Oscar-winning movies, what makes “Titanic” stand out is its strong sense of spectacle. Cameron used breathtaking practical effects to recreate a sinking of a ship that’s frightening. Assisted by Leonardo DiCaprio who is outstanding in the lead role, Cameron honoured a shipwreck occurring years ago. Nearly 90 years following the catastrophic sinking of the Titanic causing consequences which were tragic, it’s a fantastic reminder of an awards ceremony rewarding films that are undeniably iconic.
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8. Slumdog Millionaire
Orphans that face trauma are commonly found in India. India has built an image of being a country where children are commonly born in an orphanage. The heavy burden faced by orphans that experience despair in India is beautifully depicted in the movie “Slumdog Millionaire”. Released in 2008, Danny Boyle’s movie depicted the lives of orphans in India. Unlike most Oscar-winning movies, what makes “Slumdog Millionaire” stand out is its depiction of India. Boyle uses captivating real-life locations in India to capture a country where orphans face adversity. Assisted by Dev Patel who is amazing in the lead role, Boyle created a powerful portrait of trauma. A profound portrait of trauma faced by orphans in India, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated genre that has manufactured great movies attracting audiences to the Cinema.
9. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Fantasy is a genre of films that is rarely recognized by the Oscars. The Academy Awards have long held a history of ignoring fantasy films about warriors facing adversity. In a ceremony where fantasy films are rarely ever worth rewarding, it’s worth praising “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King”. Released in 2003, Peter Jackson’s Oscar-winning movie brought the LOTR franchise towards a satisfying conclusion. Unlike most Oscar-winning movies, what makes “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” stand out is its depiction of rings. Jackson uses special effects to honour a book about a terrifying ring. Assisted by Viggo Mortensen who is extraordinary in the lead role, Jackson created a captivating fantasy film. As powerful as rings that are dangerous, it’s a riveting reminder of a ceremony rewarding movies which are extremely precious.
10. Everything Everywhere All At Once
Few Oscar-winners ever made have attracted an audience as huge as “Everything Everywhere All At Once”. Released in 2022, the Daniels’ Oscar-winning movie depicted an Asian family. The Daniels used montages capturing hardships that an Asian family exploring alternate realities is facing. Assisted by Michelle Yeoh who is great in the lead role, the Daniels created a captivating multi-verse movie. Although I admired the movie, it has aged poorly. The film’s depiction of an Asian family treated poorly has tarnished its legacy. Nevertheless, it’s a strong addition to the genre. As strong as Evelyn’s bond with her family, it’s a breathtaking reminder of an awards ceremony that has produced unforgettable movies which I will forever treasure for inspiring me to turn my dreams of film criticism into a foreseeable reality.
The Film Buff 