Unconventional Wins of the Best Picture Oscar: Moving Beyond Oscar Bait

The distinction between Oscar-bait and genuine critical acclaim often blurs, yet there have been surprises that stand out. This article delves into why Parasite and Braveheart are considered the least conventional films to win the Best Picture Oscar.

The Case for Parasite

Parasite (2019) epitomizes the epitome of unconventional. It diverged sharply from typical Oscar winners, much to the surprise of many. Let’s break down why it stands out:

No acting nominations - Despite standout performances, Parasite didn’t see any acting nods, making it a surprising contender. No specific genre or period piece - The film defied categorization, fitting into no single genre and not being categorized as a period piece. No stretch in acting - Audiences and critics weren’t challenged by the actors' performances, as they portrayed their characters naturally.

Despite its unconventional nature, Parasite won the Best Picture Oscar, marking an era in which the Academy is more open to diverse and unconventional storytelling.

The Braveheart Phenomenon

Braveheart (1995) represents another outlier with its significant departure from usual Oscar-winning films. Here’s why it fits this category:

Anti-gay sentiment - The film outrightly expresses disapproval towards homosexuality, which likely alienated a portion of the Academy voters. Anti-English sentiment - With heavy anti-English bias, it would have resonated with a minority of the Academy voters, including Brits who make up over 20% of the voting body. Popularity and Mega-Star - The film was a blockbuster, starring Mel Gibson, making it highly appealing to mainstream audiences but potentially polarizing due to its perceived lack of artistic merit. War movie, not involving the US - The war narrative, devoid of American participation, made it less appealing to traditional Oscar voters. Romantic subplot - A marginal subplot in a war film can often act as an aesthetic liability for certain Academy voters. No Shakespearian story or literary background - It wasn’t based on a well-known book or story, adding another layer of unpredictability.

Moonlight: The Most Genuine Cinematic Artistry

Avoiding the pitfalls of Oscar-bait and instead focusing on genuine stories, Moonlight (2016) won Best Picture and served as a stark contrast. Here’s why it stands out:

Indie filmmaking ethos - Backed by indie labels A24 and Plan B, the film aimed for art-house appeal rather than commercial success. No mainstream star - With mainly unknown actors, the film was not backed by major film stars, which often carry weight with the Academy. Complex and difficult themes - Tackling subjects such as the gay African American experience, the film defied the typical Academy voter’s comfort zones regarding race relations and LGBTQ issues. No Hollywood ending - Unlike other Oscar winners, Moonlight doesn’t provide a comfortable, feel-good narrative, making it less palatable to traditional Oscar favorites. New voting system - The Academy’s new voting system played a role in its unexpected win over Lakey Land.

Conclusion

The Best Picture category has seen a shift towards more authentic and diverse storytelling, with films like Moonlight, Parasite, and Braveheart showcasing a new era in cinematic excellence. These movies challenge the conventional boundaries of what the Academy values, underscoring the importance of critical sincerity and thematic complexity.