My Favourite Oscar-Winning Films

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. The Godfather

Gangsters are grand figures that always fascinated my grandfather. At an early age, I formed strong bonds with a grandfather that appreciated gangsters causing damage. He appreciated stories of gangsters seeking to become somebodies in neighbourhoods full of nobodies. Through lifelong love of gangsters, my grandfather gave me appreciation for great figures I have grown to value. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured the dark lifestyles of gangsters that commit murder as powerfully as “The Godfather”. Ever since its release in 1972, Francis Ford Coppola’s movie has stood the test of time as the greatest Oscar-winner ever made. With the greatest film of his career, Coppola used innovative cinematic techniques to capture gangsters committing murders causing despair. Coppola is one of those filmmakers that has always excelled at creating stunning films about criminals, and “The Godfather” showcased his strengths as a director. It isn’t easy to adapt a classic book about gangsters, but Coppola succeeded tremendously. For instance, the scene in which Michael Corleone commits his first murder of Sollozzo in a local restaurant becoming a member of the mafia is one of the finest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Marlon Brando, who transformed into a powerful don. Ultimately, what makes “The Godfather” my favourite Oscar-winner film of all-time is its universal appeal. Unlike most gangster movies, it tackles strong themes that everyone would relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about family which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 60 years following the release of a classic film about larger-than-life gangsters given an offer they can’t refuse, it’s a bold reminder of an awards show manufacturing commemorated movies which deserve to be discussed in headline worldwide news.

2. 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 often had knowledge about genocide damage. He would take pride in teaching students about a gruesome genocide in which his people died. As someone treasuring a teacher that loved to list facts about the Holocaust, I adored “Schindler’s List”. Released in 1993, Steven Spielberg’s movie offered a powerful portrait of leadership during the Holocaust. 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. At the centre of it all is Liam Neeson, who portrayed a leader that witnessed genocide destruction. Ultimately, what makes “Schindler’s List” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about genocide which would resonate with everyone. Nearly 90 years after a gruesome mass genocide in which civilians died, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre that has produced movies which have always left audiences tremendously satisfied.

3. 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. As unforgettable as murders that Hannibal Lecter has committed, it’s a captivating reminder of a commemorated ceremony that has awarded movies which definitely deserve to be absolutely appreciated.

4. 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. 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 spotlight.

5. Forrest Gump

Mothers are powerful figures that shape children’s future. As far as I remember, I’ve always shared a strong relationship with a mother I treasure. A hard-working woman, she has been a source of inspiration guiding my life in the right direction. Through her inspiring words of wisdom, I was able to cope with the challenges posed by Autism. As someone treasuring a mother that helped me cope with a disability causing a bump, I adored “Forrest Gump”. Released in 1994, Robert Zemeckis’ movie offered an authentic portrait of intellectual disability. Unlike most movies in the genre, what makes “Forrest Gump” stand out is its compassionate voice-over narration. Zemeckis effectively uses voice-over narration to capture individuals with intellectual disabilities facing tension. For instance, the scene in which Forrest recounts with nostalgia memories of Alabama is one of the greatest moments of the genre. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by Tom Hanks, who created one of the most iconic characters in the genre. Ultimately, what makes “Forrest Gump” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivers a meaningful message about intellectual disabilities which would resonate with everyone. As precious as Forrest Gump’s memories of Alabama, it’s a riveting reminder of a genre making iconic movies attracting audiences to the modern-day Cinema.

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.

8. Ordinary People

It’s challenging to face the loss of a loved one. Years ago, my uncle passed away causing my family to face sorrow. His sad passing left my family mourning. Few films I’ve ever seen have captured painful emotions of losing relatives as powerfully as “Ordinary People”. Released in 1980, Robert Redford’s extraordinary movie depicted a family faced tragedy. Unlike most Oscar-winning movies, what makes “Ordinary People” stand out is its realism. Robert Redford created a portrait of family tragedy that’s realistic. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Donald Sutherland, who reminds us how great of an actor he was before he tragically passed away. A powerful portrait of grief impacting the lives of ordinary people, it’s an extraordinary reminder of a ceremony rewarding memroable movies audiences consider to be extremely special.

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.