With Oscars 2023 right around the corner, let us look back at the movies that should have won an Academy Award. Some of Oscar’s biggest snubs consist of the best films that moviegoers have ever seen. It is quite upsetting and infuriating when good stories are not recognised by the Academy.
Nevertheless, those movies are loved and celebrated years after their release. The stories have moved the audience and become an important aspect of pop culture. Without further ado, let us get right into the long list of films.
Movies That Should Have Won an Academy Award
The Shawshank Redemption
The story of a wrongfully accused man and his turbulent journey to freedom. The movie is a rollercoaster ride where the tales of various people collide and turn into a beautiful amalgamation that showcases the realities of life. The film was nominated under many categories, such as Best Picture, Best Leading Role, Best Screenplay etc. but failed to win even one award.
Watch The Shawshank Redemption on Amazon Prime Video.
Reservoir Dogs
Quentin Tarantino’s first feature-length debut remains one of his best directorial yet. The story about a group of criminals and the gritting conspiracies forming among the members is a must-watch! But the film did not receive a single nomination from the Academy, which makes the audience sad to this day.
Watch Reservoir Dogs on Amazon Prime Video.
American Psycho
Patrick Bateman is one of the most notable characters that became a cultural icon. It is mind-boggling and keeps one wondering how this film, which was so ahead of its time, failed to bag even a single Oscar nomination. The movie has shaped the industry and influenced many creators and actors to this day.
Watch American Psycho on Netflix.
Midsommar
The most notable modern horror movies in recent years did not receive any nominations from the Academy. The critically acclaimed film has been on most cinephile’s watchlist, but the fraternity completely shut it out. The director and actors deserve all the praise for this masterpiece.
Watch Midsommar on Apple TV+.
The Truman Show
Jim Carrey gave one of the best performances yet in this movie. The story about a kid being robbed of his childhood for the purpose of entertainment is an important social commentary that also applies in the present. The film was nominated under various categories but failed to win any.
Watch The Truman Show on Amazon Prime Video.
Also Read: Republic Day 2023: 5 Films on the Indian Constitution That Everyone Should Watch
Brokeback Mountain
Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger starring in a queer movie, did start a conversation and helped normalise homosexual relationships. Apart from that, the movie’s plot is realistic, and the performance delivered by the actors is notably one of the best in their careers. The movie won Oscars for Best Achievement in Directing, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Original Score but deserved more.
Watch Brokeback Mountain on Amazon Prime Video.
Uncut Gems
Adam Sandler, who usually appears in comedy movies, took a different route, and the audience was not disappointed. The film garnered a lot of attention from the critics and the public for its thought-out script and realistic performance by the actor. Surprisingly, the movie failed to gain even one nomination from the Academy.
Watch Uncut Gems on Netflix.
The Shining
The film has shaped an entire generation with its unique plot and Jack Nicholson’s disturbing yet phenomenal performance. It remains one of the classic Hollywood movies in the industry, yet it does not have even one Oscar nomination.
Watch The Shining on Amazon Prime Video.
The Pursuit of Happyness
The real-life story of a struggling salesperson and his inspiring journey to success is a tear-jerker. Will Smith deserved an Oscar for delivering an amazing performance which immensely connected with the audience.
Watch The Pursuit of Happyness on Amazon Prime Video.
Scarface
The tale of Tony Montana, played by Al Pacino, and his journey from a small-time criminal to creating an empire is one of the most memorable movies. The classic deserved to win multiple Oscars, yet it was nominated for none.
Watch Scarface on Netflix.
What are your thoughts about the list? Let us know the movie that you think should win an Oscar in the comments below!