A Critical Look at the Best Picture Oscar Winners of the Last 2 Decades

The Academy Awards, commonly referred to as the Oscars, has been a cornerstone of the global film industry for decades. Among the most coveted accolades in this ceremony is the Best Picture award, which honors the film that receives the highest critical and popular acclaim. This article aims to provide a critical analysis of the Best Picture winners over the last two decades, weighing the merits and shortcomings of each film and exploring some of the biggest snubs along the way.

Argo (2013)

Total Oscars won: 3 - Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Editing

Should it have won? No. While Argo was a well-received thriller, its narrative could be seen as a bit clichéd. The film's success, particularly in the Best Director category for Ben Affleck, can be attributed partly to the circumstances surrounding his snub for Best Director at the previous year's ceremony. It served as a consolation prize for Oscar voters, highlighting how subjective the Academy Awards can be.

Green Book (2019)

Total Oscars won: 3 - Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor, Mahershala Ali, Best Original Screenplay

Should it have won? No. Although the film was appreciated for its screenplay and actor performances, it lacked the groundbreaking narrative and cultural impact that typically define Best Picture winners. The story, while touching and well-executed, may have fallen short of the lasting legacy expected from a top-tier work of cinema.

The Shape of Water (2018)

Total Oscars won: 4 - Best Picture, Best Director (Guillermo del Toro), Best Original Score, Best Production Design

Should it have won? No. The Shape of Water was a visually stunning and emotionally compelling film, but it didn't necessarily break new ground or change the landscape of cinema. The accolades it received were well-deserved for its technical prowess and thematic richness, but its narrative and structure were not the most revolutionary of the decade.

The Artist (2012)

Total Oscars won: 5 - Best Picture, Best Director (Michel Hazanavicius), Best Actor (Jean Dujardin), Best Original Score, Best Costume Design

Should it have won? No. While The Artist was a charming homage to the golden age of Hollywood, it was a bit of a novelty against a backdrop of more mature and complex narratives. Its success in capturing the audience's imagination for its black and white aesthetic and historical reenactment is not enough to overshadow the depth of other films produced in the same period.

Moonlight (2017)

Total Oscars won: 3 - Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Mahershala Ali), Best Original Screenplay

Should it have won? No. Although Moonlight was a deeply personal and powerful film, it didn't stump the box office or capture the broader public's imagination as some other films did. Its narrative complexity and emotional depth deserved recognition, but it fell short of the cultural impact often associated with Best Picture winners.

12 Years a Slave (2014)

Total Oscars won: 3 - Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress (Lupita Nyong’o), Best Adapted Screenplay

Should it have won? Yes. The film was a gripping and unflinching portrayal of the horrors of slavery and its impact on the lives of its victims. The writing and performances were outstanding, and the film's controversial and challenging narrative fully deserved the recognition it received. It opened many conversations about race and societal injustice, making it a monumental film of its time.

Spotlight (2016)

Total Oscars won: 2 - Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay

Should it have won? No. While the film was a powerful and well-executed piece of investigative journalism, it lacked the dramatic scope and impact that some other Best Picture winners had. Its importance in boosting awareness of unethical practices within the Catholic Church was significant, but it wasn't necessarily the most cinematic or culturally resonant film of the year.

The King's Speech (2011)

Total Oscars won: 4 - Best Picture, Best Director (Tom Hooper), Best Actor (Colin Firth), Best Original Screenplay

Should it have won? No. Although The King's Speech was a historical drama that had its merits, it didn't necessarily stand out as one of the most innovative films of the decade. Its blend of historical events and emotional character development was commendable, but there were other films that offered different, more groundbreaking narratives.

Birdman (2015)

Total Oscars won: 4 - Best Picture, Best Director (Alejandro G. I?árritu), Best Original Screenplay, Best Cinematography

Should it have won? Yes. Birdman was a visually and narratively unique film that pushed boundaries and showcased brilliant technical skill. Its performances, particularly Michael Keaton's portrayal, were outstanding. The film's intense, fluid style and filmmaking innovations made it a stand-out candidate, and its win was well-deserved.

Parasite (2020)

Total Oscars won: 4 - Best Picture, Best Director (Bong Joon Ho), Best Original Screenplay, Best International Feature Film

Should it have won? In my opinion, it was a resounding yes. Parasite stood out for its unparalleled visual style, sharp writing, and thematic depth. The film expertly navigated different genres and tones, creating a compelling and multifaceted narrative. The attention to detail in its production design, the seamless editing, and the nuanced performances by the entire cast contributed to its well-deserved accolades. It was not just a cultural phenomenon but a true cinematic achievement.