Journey through the decades to discover the landmark moments that shaped Oscar history
Wings is the only silent film to win Best Picture. This marks the beginning of the prestigious awards ceremony that would become a cornerstone of the film industry.
Lawrence of Arabia is celebrated for its sweeping cinematography and epic storytelling, while Gregory Peck's portrayal of Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird becomes an enduring symbol of integrity and justice.
This win marked a significant moment in the evolution of film as it challenged traditional boundaries and showcased the Academy's willingness to recognize more mature and controversial themes.
Clint Eastwood's direction and Gene Hackman's performance revitalized the Western genre, offering a gritty and morally complex take that resonated with audiences and critics alike.
This win highlighted a shift towards more diverse storytelling and recognition of independent films. Chloé Zhao became the first woman of color to win Best Director, marking a historic moment for the Academy.
Discover the iconic performances that defined careers and left an indelible mark on cinema history
The Godfather
Best Actor in a Leading Role
Brando's interpretation of Vito Corleone is generally considered one of the greatest in film history. His subtle nuances portrayed the powerful yet complex mafia boss who redefined standards in method acting and character development.
The Lion in Winter
Best Actress in a Leading Role
Katharine Hepburn's performance as Eleanor of Aquitaine is a teacher's work in acting. She brings to life a strong-willed yet intelligent queen, at times vulnerable and at times assertive-together showcasing her great range and talent.
My Left Foot
Best Actor in a Leading Role
The portrayal of Christy Brown, an Irishman afflicted with cerebral palsy who learns to paint and write with his left foot, communicated with emotion and essence. This was truly a unique showcase of dedication wherein Day-Lewis gave in and transformed into an embodiment of his father. This would have earned him his first Academy Award.
Sophie's Choice
Best Actress in a Leading Role
Streep's portrayal of Sophie, a Polish immigrant, Holocaust survivor is haunting and deeply moving. To have held the audience in suspense about the character's great inner conflict and emotional turmoil speaks for the greatness of the actress herself.
The Dark Knight
Best Supporting Actor
The many consider Ledger's Joker one of the best performances as a villain in film history. Varsling and anarchistic interpretation of the role set a new standard for villainy in superhero cinema and gained him a posthumous Oscar.
Fences
Best Supporting Actress
Davis' portrayal of Rose Maxson battles with the contradictions of love and betrayal-piercing and subtle. She was critically acclaimed and earned an Oscar because she could express all levels of raw emotion and bring out the depth of the characters therein.
Explore the films that captured the Academy's highest honor and left lasting impacts on cinema
Directed by Francis Ford Coppola
"The Godfather" reinvented the gangster film, moving the genre away from mobsters as two-dimensional villains to complicated individuals with family and cultural ties.
The film's storytelling, character development, and visual symbolism set the bar for cinematic storytelling and touched nearly every film that followed, particularly in crime and drama.
Cultural phenomenon: The film became a cultural phenomenon, with quotes, characters, and themes pervading popular culture, it also successfully launched two sequels and defined the Mafia genre as a staple of Hollywood.
Directed by Steven Spielberg
"Schindler's List" is often seen as the first film that brought the Holocaust to the attention of the mass market. It presented an unflinching view of the events that took place during WW2, which served to educate and engage a layered audience to consider one of history's most horrific chapters.
The film's unique black and white cinematography, complemented by an emotional score, changed the way historical drama could be staged on screen. Critically acclaimed directorial contributions from Spielberg and strong performances from Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes and were all appreciatively received by audiences and critics alike
Directed by Bong Joon-ho
Worldwide Attention to Foreign Language Films: "Parasite" was the first non-English language film to win the Oscar for Best Picture! This event provided a game-changing moment for international cinema with international cinemas gaining recognition. Winning this award showcased the universality of storytelling.
The film gives voice as a critique of class inequality and social stratification with audiences all around the world. The writing was sharp, the direction was innovative, and it blended genres (including a thriller, drama, and dark comedy) really well with such diverse content showcasing Korean cinema itself.
Relive the most powerful, controversial, and unforgettable moments from Oscar history
The Godfather
Life Is Beautiful
Monster's Ball
The Revenant
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Klute
"The Oscars are about celebrating the best in film, but sometimes the most memorable moments happen when real life intersects with Hollywood glamour."— Film Historian
Celebrating the groundbreaking moments that expanded representation and broke barriers in Oscar history
Hattie McDaniel
Gone with the Wind
This was the Oscar for Hattie McDaniel, the first African American ever to be awarded in any category for the portrayal of Mammy. A historic moment for racial representation in Hollywood was the awarding of her Oscar; however, the occasion also highlighted the restrictions under which Black actors stood to be cast in a few select and stereotypical roles.
Sidney Poitier
Lilies of the Field
Sidney Poitier was the first African American man to receive an Oscar for Best Actor. His Award was a milestone for racial equality in Hollywood, marking a social change in the sixties.
Marlee Matlin
Children of a Lesser God
Marlee Matlin became the first deaf actor to ever win an Academy Award, a huge mile stone for disabled representation in Hollywood, and it stresses the need for inclusive casting.
"Representation matters. When we see ourselves reflected in the stories that shape our culture, we know that our dreams are possible too."
Test your Oscar knowledge with these surprising facts and fascinating trivia
Walt Disney holds the record with 26 Oscar wins throughout his career
Each Academy Award statue weighs exactly 8.5 pounds and stands 13.5 inches tall
Patty Duke won Best Supporting Actress in 1963 and said only "Thank you" at age 16
Meryl Streep holds the record with 21 Academy Award nominations
Years of Oscar History
Oscars Awarded
Average TV Viewers
A curated collection of the most iconic, emotional, and glamorous moments from Oscar history
Grace Kelly at the 1955 Academy Awards
1955
Audrey Hepburn's iconic Givenchy gown
1964
Elizabeth Taylor in diamonds
1970
Embracing—is it really fair to say so?—the biggest mix up in Oscars history ever, the announcement that La La Land had bagged Best Picture was made incorrectly. Amidst confusion enacted onstage, Moonlight was in fact declared the winner. The film went barely past its acceptance speeches, leaving its team embarrassed and confused as the true winner was finally declared. The whole mix-up stunned audiences worldwide and immediately became one of the landmark moments in awards show history.
2017 (89th Academy Awards)
Parasite made history as the first non-English-language film to win Best Picture, breaking barriers and redefining what global cinema could do. Bong Joon-ho's heartfelt speech and the film's dominations across almost all major categories spurred celebrations around the world and confirmed the dawn of a new era for international storytelling recognition.
2020
While hosting the Oscars, Ellen managed to create an unforgettable moment: she snapped a spur-of-the-moment selfie with a constellation of Hollywood biggies with names like Brad Pitt, Meryl Streep, and Jennifer Lawrence. That impish photo then went viral, becoming the most retweeted image ever at that point in time and etching itself as a cultural phenomenon.
2014
Curated Photos
Years Covered
Quality
Memories
In-depth analysis and thoughtful commentary on the cultural impact and behind-the-scenes stories of Oscar history
Explore how Oscar campaigning has transformed from simple industry recognition to multi-million dollar strategic operations...
Some of the most shocking Oscar oversights led to important conversations about representation and artistic merit...
From Marlon Brando's 1973 protest to recent activism, the Oscar ceremony has always been a platform for political expression...
The Godfather 1972
Brando's interpretation of Vito Corleone is generally considered one of the greatest in film history. His subtle nuances portrayed the powerful yet complex mafia boss who redefined standards in method acting and character development.
Brando's decision to wear prosthetics to alter his appearance and his adoption of a distinctive vocal style were groundbreaking choices that added layers to the character
The Lion in Winter
Katharine Hepburn's performance as Eleanor of Aquitaine is a teacher's work in acting. She brings to life a strong-willed yet intelligent queen, at times vulnerable and at times assertive-together showcasing her great range and talent.
Her ability to balance strength and vulnerability, often in the same scene, showcases her exceptional range as an actress.
My Left Foot (1989)
The portrayal of Christy Brown, an Irishman afflicted with cerebral palsy who learns to paint and write with his left foot, communicated with emotion and essence. This was truly a unique showcase of dedication wherein Day-Lewis gave in and transformed into an embodiment of his father. This would have earned him his first Academy Award.
He spent extensive time with Brown and his family to understand the condition and the challenges Brown faced, resulting in a performance that is both authentic and deeply moving.
Fences (2016)
Davis' portrayal of Rose Maxson battles with the contradictions of love and betrayal-piercing and subtle. She was critically acclaimed and earned an Oscar because she could express all levels of raw emotion and bring out the depth of the characters therein.
Davis' ability to convey the character's strength, vulnerability, and resilience is a testament to her extraordinary talent.
Sophie's Choice
Streep's transformative portrayal of Margaret Thatcher showcased her unparalleled ability to disappear into any role, earning her third Oscar win.
Streep's ability to convey the complexity of Sophie's experiences, including her guilt, grief, and resilience, is a testament to her extraordinary talent.
The Dark Knight (2009)
The many consider Ledger's Joker one of the best performances as a villain in film history. Varsling and anarchistic interpretation of the role set a new standard for villainy in superhero cinema and gained him a posthumous Oscar.
Ledger's dedication to the role was intense, and he reportedly immersed himself in the character's psyche, which took a toll on his mental and physical health.
In 1973, Marcello Mastroianni won for Best Actor for The Godfather but deserted the stage for it.
"Brando sent Native American actress Sacheen Littlefeather to refuse the Oscar on his behalf, citing the film industry's misrepresentation and mistreatment of Native Americans."
This episode drew great attention to the issue of American Indian rights and started recording Hollywood's conversation on alebit amid diversity.
Best Foreign Film for Life Is Beautiful and Best Actor awards won by Roberto Benigni.
"Since his ecstatic jumping onto the chairs of the auditorium and emotive speaking, Benigni's acceptance has become one of the most memorable of Oscar moments."
The authentic joy and exuberance graced the screen to delight billions of viewers and carry an international message.
Halle Berry had to accept the Best Actress award for Monster's Ball.
"Berry's emotional and historic speech of acceptance raised the very issue of the significance of that win: the first Best Actress Oscar won by an African-American woman."
That speech served as a huge impetus for diversity and representation issues within Hollywood, carrying various hopeful vibrations to present-day generations of actors and filmmakers.
Leonardo DiCaprio won the Best Actor award for The Revenant.
"In DiCaprio's acceptance speech, he chose to speak about climate change and world conservation."
His speech became an international highlight, bringing to global attention the issue of environment and how a celebrity may be used as a platform toward worthy causes.
Frances McDormand received the Best Actress award for her performance in Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.
"During her acceptance speech, she discussed a totally interesting idea that we had never really heard of before - inclusion riders - and she called for the industry to consider diversity and inclusion when hiring people."
Frances's speech catalyzed a national conversation on the subjects of diversity and inclusion in Hollywood, both heightening awareness levels around the subject and inspiring response.
Jane Fonda presented the award for best director and jumped at the opportunity to speak out against the Vietnam War.
"Her short but impactful comments were an act of bravery and a political statement that emboldened many members of the anti-war movement."
The speech put a spotlight on the intermingling of politics and entertainment and showed the way celebrity voices can be leveraged in social and political discourse.
