The Academy Awards, also popularly known as the Oscars, is probably the most recognizable and prestigious award in the entertainment industry. Films and filmmakers from across the globe participate in this annual ceremony to get nominated or win an award.
However, it’s not with its fair share of controversies. Every year, a snub or something that’s not supposed to happen happens at these ceremonies. This also includes controversial wins. So here is a list of the top 10 most controversial Oscar wins of all time. Enjoy reading.
Related: Top 10 Movies Snubbed By Oscars In 2023
Most Controversial Oscar Wins Of All Time
1) ‘Crash’ Won Best Picture
Often touted as one of the worst winners of the Best Picture award, it upset everyone as ‘Brokeback Mountain‘ seemed like a clear winner in 2006. The film delves into themes of crime, race, and social tensions.
2) ‘Greenbook’ Winning Over ‘Roma’
In 2019, the industry and audiences were shocked to see ‘Green Book‘ wins Best Picture. After the win, the Shirley family came forward to say that the film was inaccurate. A lot of people also criticized its “white savior” narrative.
3) ‘Shakespeare In Love’ Over ‘Saving Private Ryan’
Despite the romantic drama bagging the award, a majority of people both inside and outside the industry that Steven Spielberg’s war drama ‘Saving Private Ryan‘ deserved to win in 1998.
4) Marissa Tomei Winning Best Supporting Actress
In 1993, Marisa Tomei won the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in ‘My Cousin Vinny.’ Film critic Rex Reed later said that Jack Palance, who was the presenter, said the wrong name and Tomei wasn’t the actual winner. The Academy has refuted this rumor.
5) Roman Polanski Winning Best Director For ‘The Pianist’
Roman Polanski is a name that’s not respected in the industry. He has been absconding from the US law for drugging and raping a minor girl. That is why his winning the Best Director award did not sit well with many.
6) ‘The King’s Speech’ Beat ‘The Social Network’
David Fincher’s ‘The Social Network’ is still widely considered to be one of the best films of the 2010s. Despite this, the Academy chose to give the award to the Oscar-bait ‘The King’s Speech.’
7) Bohemian Rhapsody Winning Best Editing
Freddie Mercury’s biopic was an earnest attempt hindered by quick and rapid cuts. That’s why the film winning the Oscars for Best Editing came as a surprise for everyone in the industry.
8) Marlon Brando Turned Down His Award
Marlon Brando declined the Best Actor award he got for his role as Don Vito Corleone in ‘The Godfather.’ It was in protest of Hollywood’s portrayal of Native Americans. Native American activist Sacheen Littlefeather was sent to give a speech on his behalf.
9) ‘How Green Was My Valley’ Won Over ‘Citizen Kane’
Considered to be one of the greatest films of all time, this Orson Welles masterpiece lost the Best Picture award in 1941 to a film called ‘How Green Was My Valley.’ Maybe the director John Ford’s influence had something to do with it.
10) ‘Forrest Gump’ Was Chosen Over ‘Pulp Fiction’
‘Forrest Gump‘ won the Best Picture award after facing some strong competition from films like ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ and ‘Pulp Fiction.’ Over the years, public opinion on the Tom Hanks film has changed while the Tarantino classic remains a favorite.
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