Ahead of the Oscars ceremony on March 16, we've selected the ten best films that have won the top award over the past quarter century and have stood the test of time.
In the 1980s and 1990s, the Oscars' Best Picture category usually went to films with a large-scale scope: Braveheart, Schindler's List, or The English Patient.
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But in the 21st century, the idea of what constitutes an Oscar-winning film has gradually changed. While powerful dramas and big-budget blockbusters still win awards, the Academy is increasingly recognizing smaller independent films and international cinema.
“Gladiator” (2000)
Among the few virtues of Gladiator 2 were its references to the first film in the franchise – and they are a reminder of how brilliant Ridley Scott's original, spine-tinglingly brilliant, was. There were no sharks or computer chimps – just a steely Russell Crowe fighting furiously in the arena and a sinister Joaquin Phoenix laughing wickedly from the stands.
As the winner of the Best Picture category, it's a fairly classic choice in terms of scale and ambition, in the vein of predecessors like Titanic. But it's also a hugely exciting film, full of drive and emotion.
“The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” (2003)
The first film in the Lord of the Rings trilogy won four Oscars, the second two more. And the third installment — the grand and emotionally devastating finale of the series — took home all 11 statuettes.
And, without a doubt, it is deserved. This fantasy epic combines grand battles with deep psychological portraits of the characters, despair with triumphant ups and downs, and stunning special effects with masterful direction. It is also perhaps the last three-hour film that truly justifies every minute of its running time. Without exaggeration, it is one of the most worthy Oscar winners of all time.
“No Place for Old Men” (2007)
A western for those who don't like westerns. The Coen brothers' atmospheric crime thriller is a true pinnacle of cinematography.
Stunningly beautiful cinematography by the legendary Roger Deakins, restrained acting by Tommy Lee Jones and Josh Brolin, brilliantly insane Javier Bardem, perfect rhythm, growing tension, and striking restraint – it's no wonder that the film won four Oscars and immediately made it onto the list of the best films of the 21st century.
“Slumdog Millionaire” (2008)
The first Oscar winner with an all-black cast (led by the sensitive and insightful Dev Patel), Danny Boyle's film—a fast-paced, almost hallucinogenic story that's both gritty and inspiring—was a real Oscar breakthrough, winning eight statuettes.
On the one hand, it's a classic Oscar-worthy story—an almost Dickensian rags-to-riches tale. On the other, its energy, rebellious spirit, and global outlook gave a glimpse into the future of the category.
“12 Years a Slave” (2013)
Steve McQueen's massive historical drama is the first (and still only) film directed by a black director to win the Oscar for Best Picture.
It's a powerful story of a hero: a free fiddler named Solomon Northup (a stunning performance by Chiwetel Ejiofor), who is kidnapped and sold into slavery in the 1840s South. It's reminiscent of the classic Oscar winners in scale, but it's also uncompromising and emotionally powerful. The film won three awards — for John Ridley's screenplay and Lupita Nyong'o's supporting role — even though it deserved much more.
“Birdman” (2014)
When Alejandro González Iñárritu's dark, surreal comedy won the Best Picture category, beating out more “traditional” competitors like The Imitation Game and American Sniper, it became clear: the rules of the game were changing.
The Academy has always been sympathetic to films about actors, especially when the action takes place on stage. But this merciless satire with a brilliant ensemble cast – Michael Keaton, Naomi Watts, Emma Stone, Edward Norton, Andrea Riseborough – turned out to be also extremely witty, sharp and inventive. The four Oscars were well deserved – if only for that breathtaking finale.
“Moonlight” (2016)
Unfortunately, Barry Jenkins' drama is often remembered today primarily for the oddity at the ceremony when “La La Land” was mistakenly announced as the winner. But it is actually one of the best films of the last few decades.
A touching coming-of-age story of a black gay boy in Miami, beautifully shot, brilliantly written, and brilliantly acted, the film also became the lowest-budget winner of the Best Picture Oscar in history: its budget was just $1.5 million. The film's win marked a new era for independent cinema at the Oscars.
“Parasites” (2019)
Bong Joon-ho's social thriller is a rare case when a truly folk and exciting film simultaneously makes you think seriously.
Brilliant acting, a tense plot, and a ruthless critique of inequality and late capitalism earned the film four Oscars. Among them was a historic Best Picture win, the first time a non-English language film had won it. This triumph opened the door to a new wave of international cinema in the Oscar race.
“Land of Nomads” (2020)
It's a sophisticated exploration of loneliness, loss, and economic instability in the American heartland, and stars Frances McDormand, who won her third Oscar.
The film was released in the midst of a pandemic and won at an unusual, socially distanced ceremony. But it’s worth watching: the vast landscapes here are almost poetic, Chloe Zhao’s direction is striking with confidence, and the narrative is subtle and delicate.
“Everything Always and at the Same Time” (2022)
An absolutely crazy story that combines the multiverse, kung fu, science fiction and family drama. A few years ago, it was hard to imagine that a film like this would win the Oscar for Best Picture.
It's a bold, explosive experiment that holds nothing back. The film won six other awards — including for directing, actress (Michelle Yeoh), supporting actors (Ke Huey Kwan and Jamie Lee Curtis), original screenplay, and editing. And at the same time, it forever changed the idea of what an “Oscar” movie could be.