10 Best Films That Never Won an Oscar, Even Though They're Really Great

Kapanlagi.com - Some legendary films from around the world are often regarded as the best works of all time, yet strangely they have never received Oscar awards. In fact, the quality of acting, storytelling, and the moral messages they present are on par with winning films.

This phenomenon often raises questions about why films that are loved by many fail to receive the highest recognition from the Academy Awards. In some cases, factors such as intense competition and genre bias are strong reasons behind this failure.

Here is a list of 10 best films that failed to bring home an Oscar, although they are now recognized as classic works that continue to be discussed.

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1. THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION

10 Best Films That Never Won an Oscar (credit: imdb)

This film tells the story of Andy Dufresne, a banker who is accused of murdering his wife despite being innocent. Andy spends 20 years in Shawshank prison and faces a lot of violence, until he asks Red for help in acquiring unique items.

Requests for items like a small hammer and a poster of Rita Hayworth turn out to have significant meaning for his escape plan. Although the story is inspirational, the film loses to FORREST GUMP and PULP FICTION, and is considered weak in terms of title and female roles.

2. 12 ANGRY MEN

This film focuses on the deliberations of 12 jurors who must decide the fate of an 18-year-old teenager accused of murdering his father. Most of the jurors immediately vote guilty, except for Juror Number 8 who refuses because he wants to ensure a decision without doubt.

The discussions in the jury room reveal the characters of each juror, filled with emotion, prejudice, and conflict. The film failed to win an Oscar because it lost to THE BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI, which triumphed in the main categories.

3. PSYCHO

10 Best Films That Never Won an Oscar (credit: imdb)

PSYCHO tells the story of Marion Crane who flees after embezzling company money. She stops at Bates Motel managed by Norman Bates, a mysterious figure who harbors dark secrets.

This film was commercially successful but received only a few Oscar nominations. At that time, the Academy still looked down on the horror genre, so PSYCHO was not given major awards.

4. STAND BY ME

Four teenagers named Gordie, Chris, Teddy, and Vern embark on a journey to find the body of a missing boy. Along the way, they discover the meaning of friendship while confronting their own inner wounds.

This film was only nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay at the Oscars. However, it ultimately lost to another film in 1987 that was considered stronger in terms of production and script.

5. SINGIN' IN THE RAIN

10 Best Films That Never Won an Oscar (credit: imdb)

This film tells the story of Don Lockwood, a movie star paired with Lina Lamont, until he meets Kathy Selden who changes his life. The story is set against the backdrop of the transition from silent films to talkies, filled with conflict and romance.

Now SINGIN' IN THE RAIN is considered the best musical of all time. However, the film did not receive any Oscar nominations as more appreciation was given to AN AMERICAN IN PARIS at the time.

6. IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE

This film tells the story of George Bailey who is desperate during Christmas and wants to end his life. Angel Clarence then shows how the world would be different without George's goodness.

Although it received several Oscar nominations, the film did not win any. The main reason was its failure to achieve box office success and its competition with the film THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES.

7. Other Classic Films That Did Not Win an Oscar

10 Best Films That Never Won an Oscar (credit: imdb)

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY failed to receive a nomination due to technical release issues that did not comply with Academy rules. This film was only recognized as a classic long after its release.

SE7EN and THE SHINING also never won an Oscar, although they are now considered iconic. SE7EN failed to receive a nomination in 1995, while THE SHINING received mixed reviews upon release and was thus overlooked by the Academy.

8. Questions About Films That Did Not Win an Oscar

Q: Why do many great films fail to win an Oscar?
A: Due to competition with other films, genre bias, and less effective promotional strategies.

Q: Can films that do not win an Oscar still be considered legendary?
A: Yes, many films are now regarded as classics and respected despite failing to win an Oscar during their time.

Q: Is the horror genre difficult to win an Oscar?
A: True, the horror genre is often overlooked by the Academy because it is considered less aligned with the standards of prestigious films.

Q: Does box office failure affect the chances of winning an Oscar?
A: It greatly affects, as films that fail commercially usually receive less support for promotion at award events.

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