The Oscars have long been regarded as cinema’s crowning achievement. However, the ceremony is not without its controversies. Over the years, many debates have been about the most notorious Oscar snubs, shocking Academy Award wins, and controversial decisions that stunned audiences and critics. Whether due to politics, studio influence, or biases, these moments have left an enduring mark on the history of the Academy Awards.
The Biggest Oscar Snubs
Some performances and films are so exceptional that they seem destined to win, yet the Academy sometimes overlooks them. These snubs have sparked heated debates and raised questions about what the Academy values in cinema.
Alfred Hitchcock: Master of Suspense, Ignored by the Academy
Alfred Hitchcock, one of the most influential directors in film history, never won an Oscar for Best Director. Despite creating masterpieces such as Vertigo and Psycho, he was consistently overlooked. The only recognition he received from the Academy was the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award in 1968—a lifetime achievement honour rather than an award for a specific film. Hitchcock’s absence from the winners’ circle reflects the Academy’s historical reluctance to acknowledge genre films, particularly thrillers and horror.
Saving Private Ryan Loses to Shakespeare in Love (1999)
One of the most debated Oscar decisions occurred at the 71st Academy Awards when Shakespeare in Love won Best Picture over Saving Private Ryan. Steven Spielberg’s war epic was widely expected to win, given its powerful storytelling and visceral depiction of World War II. The upset was attributed to aggressive campaigning by Shakespeare in Love’s producers, leading to discussions about the influence of marketing and industry politics in Oscar decisions.
Brokeback Mountain’s Shocking Loss (2006)
Ang Lee’s Brokeback Mountain, a groundbreaking film about a forbidden romance between two men, was widely anticipated to win Best Picture. However, the award went to Crash, a film that critics have since deemed less impactful over time. This decision led to accusations of homophobia within the Academy and remains one of the most significant Oscar snubs in recent memory. Many saw it as a missed opportunity to honour LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood.
The Color Purple Goes Home Empty-Handed (1986)
Another glaring snub occurred when The Color Purple received 11 nominations but failed to win a single award. Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel was a critical and commercial success, and Whoopi Goldberg’s performance was widely praised. The film’s lack of recognition raised concerns about racial bias within the Academy and remains controversial in Oscar history.
Unexpected Academy Award Wins
Just as some Oscar snubs have left audiences outraged, there have also been surprising wins that remain the subject of debate. Some see these moments as underdog victories, while others view them as puzzling upsets.
Marisa Tomei’s Surprise Victory (1993)
When Marisa Tomei won Best Supporting Actress for My Cousin Vinny, rumours swirled that presenter Jack Palance had mistakenly read the wrong name. While this theory has been debunked, Tomei’s win over more established actresses shocked many. Her victory demonstrated that comedic performances could be recognised alongside dramatic roles, highlighting the unpredictability of the Oscars.
Crash Takes Best Picture Over Brokeback Mountain (2006)
As mentioned, Crash’s win over Brokeback Mountain remains one of the most controversial Oscar decisions ever. The film was praised by some but criticised by others for its simplistic approach to racial issues. Even years later, this unexpected Academy Award win continues to be analysed as an example of the Academy favouring a “safe” choice over a more progressive, groundbreaking film.
Olivia Colman’s Upset Over Glenn Close (2019)
Glenn Close was widely expected to finally win an Oscar for her role in The Wife after six previous nominations. However, Olivia Colman won a surprise victory for portraying Queen Anne in The Favourite. Colman’s heartfelt acceptance speech softened the shock of Close’s loss, but her win remains one of the more unexpected moments in recent Oscar history.
Controversial Award Decisions
Not all Oscar controversies stem from snubs or surprises—sometimes, the issue lies in who the Academy chooses to reward. These decisions have ignited debates over what the Oscars should truly represent.
The Green Book Debate (2019)
When Green Book won Best Picture, it reignited discussions about the Academy’s preference for “safe” films that tackle racial issues through a white saviour narrative. Many believed films such as Roma or Black Panther better represented cinematic achievement that year. Critics argued that Green Book oversimplified complex racial dynamics, making its win one of the more divisive Oscar moments in recent memory.
The La La Land and Moonlight Mix-Up (2017)
No list of controversial Oscar moments would be complete without the infamous mix-up at the 89th Academy Awards. Presenters Faye Dunaway and Warren Beatty mistakenly announced La La Land as Best Picture, only for it to be revealed moments later that Moonlight was the actual winner. While the mistake wasn’t due to the voting process, the confusion temporarily overshadowed Moonlight’s historic win as the first LGBTQ+ film with an all-Black cast to win the top prize.
Why Do These Moments Matter?
The Oscars reflect both the triumphs and shortcomings of the film industry. The biggest Oscar snubs and most controversial wins spark debates about diversity, fairness, and what we value in storytelling. Unexpected Academy Award winners remind us that the Oscars are never predictable and that politics, social issues, and industry influence often play a role in the selection process.
As each Oscar ceremony approaches, movie fans eagerly anticipate the next surprise or controversy in Oscar history. What do you think is the most controversial moment at the Oscars? Share your thoughts in the comments, and stay tuned for more insights on Hollywood’s biggest night.