Do Truly Terrible Films Win the Best Picture Oscar?

It's a common argument whether truly terrible films should ever win the prestigious Best Picture Oscar at the Academy Awards. The truth is, while it may be subjective to determine what qualifies as a 'truly terrible' film, there certainly have been instances where award-worthy movies did not win, while films of questionable quality did manage to capture this coveted accolade.

Rare but Not Unheard Of

Despite the high standards set by the academy, it is not without precedent for subpar films to secure the Best Picture award. Over the years, a handful of movies that would be considered 'bad' by today's standards have managed to win over the voting body. This discussion aims to explore some of those rare cases where truly mediocre films walked away with the top prize.

Examples of Truly Terrible Wins

Going My Way

While “Going My Way” might seem like a nostalgic choice for critics now, its corny dialogue and sentimental narrative were clear red flags for potential voters. Surprisingly, this film managed to outshine classics such as "Double Indemnity" and "Gaslight," ultimately winning the Best Picture award in 1944. The impact of its win remains a point of contention in the film industry discourse.

The Greatest Show on Earth

"The Greatest Show on Earth" is a case in point for its overblown narrative and lackluster performances. Despite an impressive cast including Charles Heston and Jimmy Stewart, the film's narrative is so convoluted that it's rarely screened in theaters. It managed to edge out a more deserving contender, "High Noon," in the late 1950s.

Marty

Marty (1955) is often overlooked and undervalued, despite earning three Oscars. The film's great acting, particularly from Ernest Borgnine, was overshadowed by forgettable supporting roles. Many film aficionados either haven't seen or don't enjoy it. Yet, its win in 1955 still stands as an example of the subjective nature of judging at the Oscars.

Kramer vs. Kramer

"Kramer vs. Kramer" is another film that, while critically praised for its acting and direction, can be quite predictable and formulaic. Despite its solid performances, it's a film that leaves many underwhelmed and is seldom revisited or screened today. However, its win in 1979 demonstrated that even a lackluster film can secure the prize.

Shakespeare in Love

"Shakespeare in Love," while beloved by many, isn't immune to criticism. Its romanticized depiction of period drama has been panned by several critics and audiences. The film managed to reclaim the award in 1999, further illustrating the subjectivity of the Best Picture voting process.

Gladiator

"Gladiator" was more of an average action film struggling to capture the imagination and emotional depth of its contemporaries. It easily beat out the visually stunning "Chocolat" and the critically acclaimed "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," both of which were far stronger contenders in terms of narrative coherence and artistic merit. Despite its win in 2001, the film remains a contentious choice in the Best Picture category.

Million Dollar Baby

"Million Dollar Baby" is often criticized for its one-dimensional storyline and weak performances, particularly those of Clint Eastwood. Clive Owen's lead role could have easily landed a nomination in its own right, yet the film still managed to clinch the Best Picture award in 2004. A more deserving film could have won in any of the half-dozen prior Eastwood projects that aren't widely considered as good as "Million Dollar Baby."

Hurt Locker

The final entry on our list is "Hurt Locker," one of the most divisive and controversial wins in recent memory. Known for its shocking realist approach to the horrors of war, the film's heavy-handed dialogue and perceived misrepresentation of military consultants elicited widespread criticism. Despite receiving the Best Picture award in 2010, it remains the latest example of a truly 'terrible' film winning the prize.

Conclusion

The argument that truly terrible films can win the Best Picture Oscar is quite valid. These instances highlight the complexity, subjectivity, and sometimes the sheer luck involved in the final decision. While the academy strives to maintain high standards, the occasional exception proves that not every film deemed the best by the broader film community actually wins the award.

Ultimately, these examples underscore the need for a more stringent and transparent voting process to ensure that the Best Picture award truly reflects the quality of the films nominated.