The
87th annual Academy Awards took place on the 22nd of February. In
honour of the Oscars, Star Lifestyle has compiled a list of the most
memorable best picture winners throughout history of the Academy Awards.
1. The Departed (2006) -
Last decade's Oscar winners were on a whole quite disappointing. The
Departed is one of the exceptions. It's truly a wonder how Leonardo Di
Caprio has yet to win an Oscar. Martin Scorcese proves that he's still
got it, in style.
2. Forrest Gump (1994), Pulp Fiction, The Shawshank Redemption (1995) –
1995 was perhaps one of the best years for movies. Forrest Gump ended
up taking home the big prize but it was a close race with The Pulp
Fiction and The Shawshank Redemption hot on its trail. Both Forrest Gump
and Shawshank Redemption are guaranteed to tug on your heartstrings.
They are both beautifully directed and written but it's the acting that
truly makes them stand apart from their peers. Pulp Fiction is
personally my favourite. It's Quentin Tarantino's masterpiece. Nothing
is more satisfying than watching all three parts of this story tie
together at the end. Everything from the directing to the acting to the
music is top notch.
3. Schindler's List (1993) –
Steven Spielberg has an impressive filmography but nothing stands out
quite like Schindler's List. It's horrifying and brutal but it is one of
the most rewarding film experiences you will ever have. Ralph Fiennes'
piercing eyes will haunt you for days to come but it's the image of the
little girl in the red dress that will stay with you forever. Watch it
and you'll know what I mean.
4. Silence Of The Lambs (1991) –
Okay forget about Ralph Fiennes' eyes, everything about Anthony Hopkins
in this movie is nightmare fodder. I'm not going to say anymore about
this movie. Just don't have dinner with Anthony Hopkins.
5. Taxi Driver (1976) –
I confess Taxi Driver didn't win that year. Rocky won. You don't even
have to watch Taxi Driver to know that it was robbed big time. It's a
crime that the Academy has been systematically snubbing Martin Scorsese
for generations. Taxi Driver is a brilliant film. I still find myself
quoting Robert De Niro every time I'm standing in front of the mirror.
6. One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest (1975) –
This is the movie that shaped Jack Nicolson into the fine actor he is
today. It is an emotional rollercoaster. Beware though you might just
end up hating nurses by the end of the film.
7. The Godfather (1972) -
The Godfather is widely considered to be one of the best films ever
made. Marlon Brando despite having a small screen time dominates and
shows once again why he is the greatest actor of all time. His
performance will send shivers down your spine. This was Al Pacino's
breakout film. And what a way to announce yourself to the industry. For
those who haven't seen it yet DO IT NOW!
8. The Godfather Part II (1974)
- No movie list is complete without the Godfather series. Sequels
rarely live up to their predecessors but The Godfather Part II does it
masterfully. In fact most don't even consider it a sequel. Al Pacino,
who spent most of Part I in Marlon Brando's shadow, is exceptional as
Michael who's become a husk of the man he was before. Robert De Niro is
as usual excellent.
9. On The Waterfront (1954) -
While not as well known as the rest of the films on this list, most
consider it to be the defining point in cinema history. Brando declared
himself a powerhouse with his incredible performance and introduced the
art of method acting, thus changing the standards of acting itself. It's
a must see for every film lover.
10. Casablanca (1942)
- "Here's looking at you kid." Casablanca is a timeless classic and
perhaps Hollywood's finest moment. The chemistry shared between Ingrid
Bergman and Humphrey Bogart is one of a kind. It doesn't matter if
you're not into movies because it is so much more than a wartime
romance. It's an art.
