The movie ‘Elvis‘ has been nominated in multiple Oscar categories this year ranging from Best Picture to Best Sound. Through the screen, we saw Austin Butler in style, sound, and move evolving into the king of rock n roll. But this is not the first that a musical biopic is being nominated for the Oscars.
There have been multiple movies based on the lives of musicians that portrayed the life and struggles of our favorite artists on screen. And some of these movies later went on to win the Oscars.
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Top 10 Oscar-Winning Musical Biopics
Bird (1988)
Clint Eastwood through the biopic traced the life of the jazz legend Charlie Parker. Forest Whitaker gives a monumental performance imbibing the passion, struggles, and joy of Parker’s life and music. The film showcases the jazz saxophonist’s addiction to drugs and his relationship with his wife Chan. All this is mixed with lively jazz music.
Rocketman (2019)
The movie is based on the life and the career of the British musician, Elton John portrayed by Taron Egerton. The 2019 biopic went on to win the Oscars for Best Original song. Directed by Dexter Fletcher, ‘Rocketman‘ delves into the early days of Elton John as a musical prodigy at the Royal Academy of Music and his transformation into an international star. The musical fantasy also looks into his musical partnership with Bernie Taupin.
Coal Miner’s Daughter (1980)
From a poverty-stricken area in Kentucky, Loretta Lynn sang and performed her way to becoming a country singer. Sissy Spacek received the Best Actress Oscar for her performance, living the life of Lynn as a teenager, mother, and star.
The Pianist (2002)
The movie travels through the life of the Polish pianist Wladyslaw Szpilman who is separated from his family in the background of the Second World War. He survives by living in the ruins of Warsaw. Directed by Roman Polanski, the movie won three Oscars including the awards for Best Actor and Best Director.
Judy (2019)
The movie won Renée Zellweger the Oscar for Best Actress in 2019. She portrayed the anxious and fidgety Judy Garland in the late 60s, 30 years later she became a star in ‘The Wizard of Oz‘. The heartbreaking movie directed by Rupert Goold traces the talented singer’s struggle with alcoholism, pill addiction, and eating disorders.
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Ray (2004)
This movie saw some terrific performances portrayed by the actors. Jamie Foxx won the Oscar for his marvelous depiction of the blind pianist Ray Charles. Kerry Washington, Regina King, and Clifton Powell were also present in supporting roles.
Amadeus (1984)
The lavish period drama directed by Miloš Forman is based on the supposed rivalry between 18th-century composers Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Salieri. The movie took home a whopping eight Oscars including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Director.
Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)
The movie is the celebration of Queen’s music, especially the story of the lead singer Freddie Mercury who broke stereotypes and conventions both in life and music. The movie also traces his struggle with isolation, ego, sexuality, and his fatal illness. Rami Malek portrayed Freddie Mercury in the movie and went on to win the Best Actor Oscar.
Shine (1996)
Directed by Scott Hicks, the 1996 movie ‘Shine‘ is based on the true story of the globally famous pianist named David Helfgott. The Australian prodigy is portrayed by three actors tracing the childhood, adolescence, and adulthood of musical genius.
Growing up with an assertive and dominant father, the musician takes refuge in an elderly woman who helps him to get to London to study music. Though in adult life, Hefgott slips into a breakdown and revives himself.
Walk The Line (2005)
The movie traces the life of the legendary singer Johnny Cash, from his childhood in Arkansas to the highs and lows of his life as a star singer. The movie directed by James Mangold also traces the musician’s relationship with his brother, father, first wife Vivienne, and above all his co-singer June Carter. Reese Witherspoon won Best Actress for her role as Carter while Joaquin Phoenix was nominated for Best Actor at the Oscars.
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