The Oscars, Hollywood’s grandest night, is often predictable, with frontrunners and favourites dominating the conversation. Yet, amidst the glittering gowns, high stakes, and palpable anticipation, there have been moments when underdogs have risen to claim the coveted golden statue. These surprising victories remind us that, in the world of cinema, anything is possible. Let’s revisit five times when unexpected winners stunned audiences and left a lasting mark on Oscar history.
In the age of special effects, 3D movies, and CGI, a black-and-white silent film seemed like an odd contender for the Oscars. Yet, in 2012, "The Artist," directed by Michel Hazanavicius, swept the awards. The film, a love letter to the silent film era, was a delightful anomaly. With its charming storyline, captivating performances, and the sheer novelty of being a silent film in the 21st century, "The Artist" charmed its way to five Oscar wins, including Best Picture. Its victory was a reminder of the timeless appeal of storytelling and the enduring magic of cinema.
The 2017 Oscars will forever be remembered for the dramatic envelope mix-up, but it’s the ultimate victory of "Moonlight" that stands out as one of the most unexpected in Oscar history. Barry Jenkins' "Moonlight," a poignant coming-of-age story, was a low-budget, independent film that faced tough competition from the musical juggernaut "La La Land." The moment when "La La Land" was mistakenly announced as the Best Picture winner, only for "Moonlight" to be rightfully awarded the Oscar moments later, is etched in the annals of Oscar history. "Moonlight's" win was not just a surprise, but a celebration of diverse voices in cinema, breaking boundaries and redefining what an Oscar-winning film could be.
In 1977, the Best Picture race was packed with powerful contenders like "Taxi Driver," "All the President's Men," and "Network." Yet, it was a small-budget film about an underdog boxer that shocked the world. "Rocky," directed by John G. Avildsen and starring Sylvester Stallone, was never meant to be a blockbuster. With a budget of just over $1 million and a lead actor who was relatively unknown at the time, the film was an underdog in every sense of the word. But its tale of perseverance and triumph resonated deeply with audiences and Academy voters alike. "Rocky" went on to win Best Picture, cementing its place in cinematic history and proving that heart could triumph over hype.
The 2006 Oscars had everyone betting on "Brokeback Mountain" to win Best Picture. Ang Lee’s tender and tragic love story between two cowboys had dominated awards season, and its victory seemed inevitable. However, in a twist that shocked everyone, the Academy awarded the Best Picture Oscar to "Crash," a small, ensemble drama directed by Paul Haggis. "Crash" explored themes of race, class, and interconnected lives in Los Angeles, and while it had its admirers, it was considered an outsider compared to "Brokeback Mountain." The upset victory remains one of the most controversial in Oscar history, sparking debates about the Academy's voting patterns and preferences.
The 2020 Oscars saw an unprecedented moment when Bong Joon-ho’s "Parasite" became the first non-English language film to win Best Picture. Up against heavyweights like "1917," "Joker," and "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," "Parasite" was initially seen as an underdog, especially in the Best Picture category. However, its darkly comedic and thrilling exploration of class struggles resonated across the globe. When "Parasite" claimed the top prize, it was more than just an upset; it was a watershed moment for international cinema, proving that great storytelling transcends language and cultural barriers.
These unexpected Oscar victories are a testament to the unpredictability and magic of cinema. They remind us that, despite industry trends and expert predictions, the Academy can still surprise and honour the stories that touch hearts in unexpected ways. The underdog's triumph is a celebration of the belief that any story, no matter how small or unconventional, has the power to win big.
