As the Oscars approach each year, discussions typically revolve around the best picture nominees, speculating on potential winners, revisiting past winners, and celebrating the greatest films in Academy Awards history. However, amidst the accolades and praise, there lies a conversation about the opposite end of the spectrum – the worst winners.
While it’s rare for outright bad movies to secure the prestigious Best Picture award, occasionally, mediocre films, head-scratchers, and controversial selections find their way into the winner’s circle. This list is a testament to those instances, ranking the ten worst Best Picture winners in Oscar history based on their comparative terribleness.
At the top of this dubious list is “The Broadway Melody” (1929), the second film to win the Best Picture award and the first sound movie to do so. Despite its novelty as an early sound film, “The Broadway Melody” fails to hold up over time, featuring a thin plot, out-of-place story interludes, and a plethora of romantic clichés.
Following closely behind is “Crash” (2005), a film with a stellar cast but a flawed execution. While boasting impressive performances, “Crash” fumbles its exploration of social and xenophobic tensions in Los Angeles, missing opportunities to address racism and multiculturalism with depth and authenticity. Its victory over “Brokeback Mountain,” a poignant portrayal of gay romance, remains a controversial decision.
“The Greatest Show on Earth” (1952) takes the third spot, earning its Best Picture win more as a career achievement for director Cecil B. DeMille rather than for the film’s merit. An extravagant ode to P.T. Barnum’s circus, the movie falls short in comparison to its fellow nominees, including the iconic “High Noon.”
“Cavalcade” (1933) and “Driving Miss Daisy” (1989) occupy the fourth and fifth positions, respectively. While “Cavalcade” offers a glimpse into British life during significant historical events, its sentimental tone and lack of substance prevent it from leaving a lasting impact. Meanwhile, “Driving Miss Daisy” is criticized for its dated portrayal of racial dynamics and its overshadowing of more deserving nominees like “Do the Right Thing.”
“Around the World in 80 Days” (1956) lands at number six, despite its star-studded cast and global adventure premise. While entertaining, the film’s light-hearted approach and lack of depth fail to justify its Best Picture win.
“The English Patient” (1996) and “Out of Africa” (1985) follow closely behind, both criticized for their excessive runtime and melodramatic storytelling. While featuring stellar performances, these epics struggle to maintain audience engagement throughout their lengthy narratives.
“Shakespeare in Love” (1998) and “Slumdog Millionaire” (2008) round out the list, with the former praised for its inventive concept but criticized for its lack of cohesion, and the latter lauded for its portrayal of poverty in India but faulted for its jarring tonal shifts.
While the Oscars often celebrate cinematic excellence, these ten winners serve as a reminder that even acclaimed awards can sometimes miss the mark. As audiences eagerly anticipate this year’s ceremony, they can reflect on these less-than-stellar winners and appreciate the enduring legacy of truly exceptional cinema.