Movies that Dominate the Academy Awards

Movies That Dominate the Academy Awards  

Movies are a beloved form of entertainment that have the potential to touch our hearts and transform the way we see the world. Each year, film fans anxiously await the announcement of The Academy Awards, an esteemed recognition awarded to the filmmakers who have produced art that clearly stands out from the rest. Let’s take a closer look at some of the movies that have left a mark in the Academy Awards annals and successfully dominated the prestigious ceremony.

Best Picture Winners  

Topping the list of favorites is the movie that took the Academy Awards’ highest honor, the Best Picture award.

1. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) – The last and final installment in The Lord of the Rings trilogy is a cinematic masterpiece with an incredible storyline and a star-studded cast. As expected, the movie lived up to the massive expectations and did not disappoint, earning not just the prestigious Best Picture award but also four additional awards, including Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Visual Effects and Best Film Editing.

2. Ben-Hur (1959) – With an impressive 15 Academy Award wins, including Best Picture and Best Actor, Ben-Hur is an all-time classic. To date, the movie holds the record for the most Academy Award victories, a feat which still stands despite all the years that have passed.

3. Schindler’s List (1993) – Starring Liam Neeson and Ben Kingsley, this gripping war movie tells the story about a Nazi party member who manages to make a difference by saving over a thousand Jewish refugees during what is arguably one of the darkest times in human history. This powerful and moving drama won the Best Picture award and six other Academy Awards.

4. Titanic (1997) – Another movie that has won its fair share of the Academy Awards’ attention is Titanic. Directed by James Cameron and starring Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio, this blockbuster swept the ceremony, winning a total of 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.

Other Notable Winners  

Other than Best Picture, The Academy Awards also bestow recognition on other movie categories, such as Best Actress and Best Actor. Here are some of the Academy Awards’ chosen ones.

5. Katharine Hepburn – Often described as Hollywood’s greatest leading lady, Katharine Hepburn has won a staggering four Academy Awards for Best Actress. Her impressive body of work includes The Lion in Winter (1968), Morning Glory (1933), Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967) and The African Queen (1951).

6. Daniel Day-Lewis – Widely acclaimed as one of the greatest actors of all time, Daniel Day-Lewis has won three Academy Awards for Best Actor for his performances in My Left Foot (1989), There Will Be Blood (2007) and Lincoln (2012).

7. Meryl Streep – Another famous actress who is no stranger to the Academy Awards podium is Meryl Streep. She is the proud recipient of three Academy Awards, all of which were presented in recognition of the multiple outstanding performances she has given in The Iron Lady (2011), Kramer vs Kramer (1979), and Sophie’s Choice (1982).

8. Tom Hanks – Tom Hanks is a versatile actor who has demonstrated his impressive acting techniques in a variety of genres. His amazing performance as the lead character in a number of blockbusters, including Forrest Gump (1994) and Philadelphia (1993), earned him two Academy Awards for Best Actor.

Best Director Winners  

Directing a movie is a complex process that requires a deep understanding of the art form, as well as a great command over the myriad of technical requirements that come with the job. Here are some of the Best Director winners who have largely succeeded in their roles.

9. Steven Spielberg – Considered one of the most influential filmmakers of all time, Steven Spielberg is a director and producer who has helmed some of Hollywood’s most beloved movies, including Jaws (1975), Saving Private Ryan (1998) and Schindler’s List (1993). He has won two Oscars for Best Director and has received a total of six nominations.

10. Billy Wilder – As the first person to win three Academy Awards for Directing, Billy Wilder is an undisputed legend in the film industry. His notable works include The Apartment (1960), Sunset Boulevard (1950) and Some Like it Hot (1959).

11. Federico Fellini – Federico Fellini is an Italian filmmaker who successfully combined elements of surrealism, drama, fantasy and satire to create unique, timeless works. His debut movie, La Strada (1954), saw him rising to international fame and subsequent success; he was even honored with an Oscar for his directing prowess.

12. George Cukor – Considered one of Hollywood’s most versatile filmmakers, George Cukor has made many significant contributions to the film industry. He has directed some of Hollywood’s most iconic films, such as The Philadelphia Story (1940) and My Fair Lady (1964), and has earned himself one Academy Award for Best Director.

The movies listed in this article have been integral in shaping Hollywood’s rich and cinematic legacy. Their depictions of life and their unwavering commitment to telling powerful stories remain timeless and sparks conversations that will continue for decades to come. While not all movies have been awarded with the prestigious Academy Award recognition, it is undeniable that the tales told by these brilliant filmmakers will live on for generations to come.