PremiumThe Oscars' forgotten gems: A look back at overlooked Academy Award-winning films
The French Connection, Out of Africa, and Moonlight are some films that have been overlooked, forgotten, or overshadowed
Last Updated: 04.16 PM, Mar 13, 2023
The Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars, have been the pinnacle of recognition in the film industry since their inception in 1929.
Each year, the world watches in anticipation as the most critically-acclaimed films and performances of the year are awarded the coveted gold statue.
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However, for every film that takes home an Oscar, there are many more that are overlooked, forgotten, or overshadowed by their more famous peers.
The French Connection (1971)
One of the most notable but overlooked Oscar winners is the 1971 film The French Connection. Starring Gene Hackman and Roy Scheider, the film won five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Hackman's portrayal of Detective Jimmy ‘Popeye’ Doyle.
Despite its critical and commercial success, The French Connection has largely been forgotten in the years since its release, overshadowed by other films from the same era such as The Godfather and The Exorcist. However, the film's gritty, realistic portrayal of police work and its groundbreaking car chase scene have made it a landmark in American cinema.
Out of Africa (1985)
Another overlooked Oscar winner is the 1985 film Out of Africa. Starring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford, the film won seven Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay.
Despite its critical and commercial success, Out of Africa has largely been forgotten in the years since its release, overshadowed by other films from the same era such as The Color Purple and The Breakfast Club.
However, the film's sweeping landscapes, exquisite cinematography, and powerful performances by Streep and Redford make it a classic of the romantic epic genre.
Moonlight (2016)
More recently, the 2016 film Moonlight won three Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor for Mahershala Ali.
While the film received widespread critical acclaim and was praised for its groundbreaking portrayal of black masculinity and sexuality, it has been overshadowed by the controversy surrounding the mix-up with the Best Picture announcement, which mistakenly awarded the trophy to La La Land before correcting the mistake and awarding it to Moonlight.
However, the film's intimate, poetic portrayal of a young man coming of age in a rough Miami neighborhood has made it a modern classic and a worthy addition to the canon of American independent cinema.
These are just a few examples of the many overlooked Oscar-winning films from over the years. Whether due to the passage of time, shifting cultural trends, or the simple fact of being overshadowed by more famous films, these works of art deserve to be remembered and celebrated for the impact they have had on cinema and on our culture as a whole.