Worst Best Pictures Ever

Worst Best Pictures Ever

Sometimes the Academy gets it wrong and picks a film for “Best Picture” that doesn’t really deserve it.  Not that the movies aren’t great films, but that they simply aren’t great enough to deserve the title of “Best Picture.”

With the Academy Awards a week away, let’s take a look at some past films that some describe as the worst best pictures ever.

The Hurt Locker

Directed by Kathryn Bigelow (who also won the best Director statue – the first time ever for a women) ‘The Hurt Locker” won Best Picture in 2010 but does it really compare to other Best Picture films such as “Ben Hur” or “Casablanca?”

A Beautiful Mind

Directed by Ron Howard, “A Beautiful Mind” went up against “The Lords of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” and “Moulon Rouge” and won the Best Picture Oscar in 2002.   Did it really compare to those epic films?

Driving Miss Daisy

In 1989, “Driving Miss Daisy” was a unique, feel-good little drama set against the mega blockbusters of the era.  Award-worthy?  Probably.  Best Picture? It’s debatable.

Rain Man

“Rain Man” won the Oscar for Best Picture in 1988 and while Dustin Hoffman totally and completely deserved his Best Actor statue, the film itself was 100% his performance.  Tom Cruise looked good.  But having a Best Actor and a guy who looks cool shouldn’t qualify you for the Best Picture category.

Out of Africa

Apparently Director Sydney Pollack, Robert Redford, Meryl Streep and Kenya is a winning formula for Best Picture no matter what the film is about.  In 1985 “Out of Africa” won the Best Picture statue does it really have the presence that a Best Picture should have?

Oliver

In 1968, “Oliver” was the first G rated film to ever win Best Picture.  Oliver was 2 1/2 hours long and while it was an engaging musical, it was a major upset that it won over “Funny Girl” and “The Lion in Winter.”

No Country for Old Men

In 2008, there were some better choices for Best Picture nominated along with “No Country for Old Men” such as “There Will Be Blood.”  ‘No Country’ took home the statue but critics say that while it was a good film, it wasn’t ‘Best Picture’ good.

Chicago

In 2002 “Chicago” managed to beat out “Gangs of New York” and “The Lords of the Rings: The Two Towers” “The Hours” and “The Pianist” for Best Picture.  Critics say it was miscast and just not up to par with the other nominees in the category.

The English Patient

In 1996 “The English Patient” didn’t have a lot of strong competition but still managed to snag the Best Picture Oscar from “Jerry Maguire” and “Fargo.”

Shakespeare in Love

“Shakespeare in Love” won the Best Picture statue in 1998 but up against “Saving Private Ryan” some say it wasn’t the best choice.

I’ve only seen a few of the films mentioned, so these opinions aren’t really mine, they are based upon some of the controversy these films garnered after winning for ‘Best Picture’ each year.  Everyone has different ideas about what makes a great film, and everyone has different tastes.

What do you think?

Are you a fan of any of these films and think they EARNED their awards?

Or do you agree with the critics that say some other film should have won?

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