Revisiting the Best Academy Award Winning Films of the '80s: A Look Back at the Decade's Top Best Picture Winners
The Academy Awards, better known as the Oscars, is one of the most prestigious awards ceremonies in the film industry. Winning an Oscar is a dream come true for many actors, directors, and producers. The Best Picture category is the most sought-after award at the Oscars. Let's take a look at the films that won this coveted award in the '80s.
The '80s were a decade of big hair, pop music, and interesting movies. The Best Picture category saw a diverse range of films winning the award during this time. From classic dramas to heartwarming comedies, the '80s had it all.
Who can forget the iconic film Rain Man, which won the Best Picture Award in 1989? This movie starring Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman stole our hearts with its emotional storyline and brilliant acting. It also won several other Oscars that year, including Best Director and Best Actor in a Leading Role.
But Rain Man was not the only classic movie from the '80s to win Best Picture. Out of Africa, a timeless romantic drama, won the award in 1986, and Platoon, a gripping war movie, won it in 1987.
As we look back on the '80s, we can't help but remember some of the most iconic films to have won Best Picture. Amadeus, a biographical drama about the life of Mozart, won the award in 1985 , and Terms of Endearment, a tear-jerking family drama, won in 1984.
The '80s were also a decade that saw the rise of the action genre, with films like Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Empire Strikes Back taking the world by storm. Though they didn't win Best Picture, these movies are still remembered as iconic films from the '80s.
Transitioning into a new decade can be challenging, and the '80s were no exception. The Best Picture category faced some stiff competition from other genres, including crime and comedy. But the Academy continued to be true to its mission of recognizing excellence in filmmaking and awarded deserving films with the Best Picture award.
Looking back at the '80s, we realize that the decade was an era of experimentation in film-making. It's a time when Hollywood took risks and pushed boundaries, resulting in some of the most memorable movies of all time. The Best Picture category was a reflection of this, awarding well-deserved films that had a significant impact on the industry and popular culture.
In conclusion, the '80s saw some of the most iconic films winning the Best Picture Award at the Oscars. These movies not only entertained us but also left a lasting impact on the film industry. As we move into a new era, let's remember these films and the creativity and innovation that made them what they are today.
So, if you want to revisit some of the best films of the '80s, go ahead and watch Rain Man, Out of Africa, Platoon, Amadeus, and Terms of Endearment. Relive the magic of these timeless classics and experience the golden era of Hollywood once again!
"Academy Award For Best Picture In The '80s" ~ bbaz
The Academy Award for Best Picture in the '80s
The '80s was a decade marked with significant developments in cinema history. It was a time when some of the most iconic films were made, and the industry saw the rise of new talents, ideas, and techniques. The Academy Award for Best Picture played a massive role in acknowledging these accomplishments, and this article aims to take a closer look at some of the winners.The Decade's First Three Winners
The '80s kicked off with a bang as the Academy awarded Robert Benton's Kramer vs. Kramer with Best Picture in 1980. A family drama that captivated audiences with its excellent performances, it was undoubtedly a deserving winner. The following year saw the honor going to Ordinary People, a poignant portrayal of family dynamics directed by Robert Redford. Then in 1982, the award went to Warren Beatty's epic love story, Reds.
The Middle Years
The middle years of the decade proved to be a mixed bag. In 1983, Richard Attenborough's Gandhi took home the top prize. The biographical drama had critical acclaim for its cinematography and an outstanding performance by Ben Kingsley. However, the Academy's decision came as a surprise to many as it beat heavyweight contenders like Tootsie and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.The year 1984 saw the recognition of one of Hollywood's most significant productions of all time, Milos Forman's Amadeus. Based on the life of musical genius Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, this masterpiece featured stunning visuals and an impeccable score. It was followed by a win for Out of Africa in 1985, a semi-autobiographical account of Danish author Karen Blixen's life in Africa.But then the following year, the Academy made an unlikely choice by awarding Platoon, a harrowing account of soldiers' lives in Vietnam, directed by Oliver Stone. It was hailed as a groundbreaking movie that pushed the boundaries of traditional war films and is still regarded as one of the finest.
The Late '80s
In 1987, The Last Emperor, a biographical film about China's last emperor, received the Academy's highest honor. Directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, it captivated audiences with its breathtaking visuals and lavish production design. The following year saw the Academy recognize another unconventional movie, Barry Levinson's Rain Man. Starring Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise, it was a heartwarming story of two brothers and their bond against all odds.The decade ended with the win for Driving Miss Daisy in 1989. A powerful drama about race relations in the American South, it won over the hearts of audiences and critics alike. It was an excellent note to end the '80s on and marked a crossroads for cinema.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the winners of the Academy Award for Best Picture in the '80s played a pivotal role in shaping cinematic history. Their cultural significance and influence extend beyond the decade and continue to inspire filmmakers today. From family dramas to epic love stories and unconventional war films, each winner was unique in its way. They showcased the dizzying heights that cinema could achieve and paved the way for new voices to be heard.Comparison of Academy Award For Best Picture in the '80s
Introduction
The '80s was a decade of outstanding cinema, where some of the greatest movies of all time were made. It was a period of experimentation, where filmmakers pushed boundaries and experimented with various genres. The Academy Award for Best Picture recognized the best films of this era, and we have curated a list comparing and analyzing the winners of the award in the '80s.
The 1980 Winner: Ordinary People
The first winner of the Best Picture award in the '80s was Ordinary People. The movie, directed by Robert Redford, is a family drama exploring grief, guilt, and redemption. The performances by Timothy Hutton and Mary Tyler Moore were particularly noteworthy. The story might be considered mundane by some, but it captures the complexity of human emotions very realistically.
Opinion:
Ordinary People is an important movie as it illustrates the power of emotions and how they can make us vulnerable. The movie's raw portrayal of trauma and healing touched on themes that are relatable in everyday life.
The 1981 Winner: Chariots of Fire
Chariots of Fire, directed by Hugh Hudson, tells the remarkable true story of two English athletes who competed in the Olympics in 1924. The movie explores the themes of faith, personal convictions, and determination. Chariots of Fire features a memorable soundtrack and is known for its iconic slow-motion running sequences.
Opinion:
Chariots of Fire has a timeless quality to it. Its themes are universal, and the movie tells an inspiring story of hope, perseverance, and faith. The movie still holds up today, and the soundtrack is still one of the most popular of all time.
The 1982 Winner: Gandhi
Gandhi, directed by Richard Attenborough, is a biopic based on the life of Mahatma Gandhi. The movie explores Gandhi's philosophy of non-violent resistance and his struggle for India's independence. The movie features an outstanding performance by Ben Kingsley in the lead role and has a star-studded cast that includes Candice Bergen and Martin Sheen.
Opinion:
Gandhi is a monumental achievement in cinema history. It tells a compelling story of a great leader who changed the course of history. The movie's themes are relevant even today, and it is a must-watch for anyone who is interested in politics and human rights.
The 1983 Winner: Terms of Endearment
Terms of Endearment, directed by James L. Brooks, is a comedy-drama that explores the complicated relationship between a mother and daughter. The movie features an ensemble cast that includes Shirley MacLaine, Debra Winger, and Jack Nicholson. The film is known for its emotional power and its ability to blend comedy with tragedy.
Opinion:
Terms of Endearment is a touching film that explores the complexities of family relationships. The performances delivered by the cast were powerful and moving. The movie remained relevant even decades after its release, and its impact on cinema is undeniable.
The 1984 Winner: Amadeus
Amadeus, directed by Milos Forman, is a fictionalized retelling of the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The movie is famous for its stellar performances, particularly by Tom Hulce, who played Mozart. The film explores themes of creativity, obsession, and jealousy.
Opinion:
Amadeus is a masterclass in filmmaking. It is a rare movie that is both entertaining and educational. The performances delivered by the cast were exceptional, and the movie's portrayal of classical music was outstanding. The movie remains popular even today and serves as a testament to the power of art.
The 1985 Winner: Out of Africa
Out of Africa, directed by Sydney Pollack, is a romantic drama that explores the relationship between Karen Blixen and Denys Finch Hatton. The movie is based on Blixen's autobiographical book and explores themes of love, loss, and colonialism. The movie features powerful performances by Meryl Streep and Robert Redford.
Opinion:
Out of Africa captured the beauty and complexity of Africa in a way no other movie did before. The movie's romance is heartwarming, and the performances delivered by the cast were exceptional. However, the movie has been criticized for its depiction of colonialism, and its portrayal of African characters is problematic. Nonetheless, it remains a beloved classic.
The 1986 Winner: Platoon
Platoon, directed by Oliver Stone, is a war movie that explores the Vietnam War. The movie is known for its realistic portrayal of the war and the impact it had on soldiers. The movie features outstanding performances by Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, and Willem Dafoe.
Opinion:
Platoon is an important movie that sheds light on the horrors of war. The movie's realistic portrayal of battle scenes is gritty and impactful. The performance delivered by the cast were exceptional, and the movie's themes are still relevant today. The movie is a must-watch for anyone interested in war movies.
The 1987 Winner: The Last Emperor
The Last Emperor, directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, is a biographical film that explores the life of the last emperor of China, Puyi. The movie is known for its lavish production design and its meticulous attention to detail. The performance delivered by John Lone, who played Puyi, was particularly noteworthy.
Opinion:
The Last Emperor is a magnificent movie that captures the grandeur and complexity of Chinese history. The movie's production design is breathtaking, and the attention to detail is astounding. The performance delivered by the cast was exceptional, and the movie remains a beautiful masterpiece even today.
The 1988 Winner: Rain Man
Rain Man, directed by Barry Levinson, is a comedy-drama that explores the relationship between two brothers, one of whom has autism. The movie features outstanding performances by Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise. The film explores themes of family, human connection, and mental illness.
Opinion:
Rain Man is a heartwarming film that explores the power of love and connection. The movie's portrayal of autism is sensitive and respectful, and the performances delivered by the cast were exceptional. The movie remains relevant today, and it is a must-watch for anyone interested in human psychology and mental illness.
The 1989 Winner: Driving Miss Daisy
Driving Miss Daisy, directed by Bruce Beresford, is a comedy-drama that explores the relationship between an elderly Jewish woman and her African-American chauffeur. The movie is known for its witty dialogue and the standout performances of its cast, particularly Jessica Tandy and Morgan Freeman. The film explores themes of race, class, and friendship.
Opinion:
Driving Miss Daisy is a touching and funny movie that explores the complexity of human relationships. The performances delivered by the cast were exceptional, and the movie's themes are relevant even today. However, the movie has been criticized for its depiction of African-American characters and for ignoring the larger issue of racism. Nonetheless, it remains a beloved classic.
Conclusion
The Academy Award for Best Picture recognized some of the greatest movies ever made in the '80s. From drama to comedy to war movies, the winners of the award explored various themes and pushed boundaries in cinema. The decade was a remarkable time for cinema, highlighting the power of storytelling and its ability to move and inspire us.
| Movie Title | Director | Main Cast | Themes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary People | Robert Redford | Mary Tyler Moore, Timothy Hutton, Donald Sutherland | Grief, guilt, redemption |
| Chariots of Fire | Hugh Hudson | Ben Cross, Ian Charleson, Nigel Havers | Faith, personal convictions, determination |
| Gandhi | Richard Attenborough | Ben Kingsley, Candice Bergen, Martin Sheen | Non-violent resistance, struggle for freedom |
| Terms of Endearment | James L. Brooks | Shirley MacLaine, Debra Winger, Jack Nicholson | Familial relationships, life, and death |
| Amadeus | Milos Forman | Tom Hulce, F. Murray Abraham | Creativity, obsession, and jealousy |
| Out of Africa | Sydney Pollack | Meryl Streep, Robert Redford | Romance, love, colonialism |
| Platoon | Oliver Stone | Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, Willem Dafoe | The Vietnam War and its impact on soldiers |
| The Last Emperor | Bernardo Bertolucci | John Lone, Joan Chen, Peter O'Toole | History, politics, and power |
| Rain Man | Barry Levinson | Dustin Hoffman, Tom Cruise | Mental illness, family, human connection |
| Driving Miss Daisy | Bruce Beresford | Jessica Tandy, Morgan Freeman | Race, class, friendship |
Academy Award for Best Picture in the '80s
The '80s: A Decade of Film Excellence
The 1980s was a decade marked by many great films, producing several award-winning masterpieces that have become timeless classics. The Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars, honored some of the best movies ever made during this period. For movie fans, the '80s holds a special place in their hearts and minds.If you are a fan of '80s movies and want to know more about the Academy Award for Best Picture, then this article is perfect for you. Here we discuss some of the top winners of the Best Picture award in the '80s, what made them stand out, and why they continue to inspire us till this day.1. Chariots of Fire (1981)
In 1981, Chariots of Fire, directed by Hugh Hudson, won the Best Picture award. The film tells the story of two British track athletes and their journey to the Olympics. With its memorable music score and compelling performances from the cast, Chariots of Fire stands out as one of the best sports movies ever made.2. Gandhi (1982)
Richard Attenborough's Gandhi won the Best Picture award in 1982. Starring Ben Kingsley in the title role, the film depicts the life of India's iconic leader Mahatma Gandhi. The film explores the man's ideas and principles, which led him to lead India towards independence. With its stirring performances and excellent storytelling, Gandhi is a must-watch for anyone interested in history or biographical films.3. Amadeus (1984)
Amadeus, directed by Milos Forman, won the Best Picture award in 1984. This movie is a fictionalized account of the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Salieri, his supposed rival. The film depicts the competition between the two composers and their vastly different lives. Amadeus won a total of eight Academy Awards, including Best Actor and Best Director, becoming an instant classic.4. Platoon (1986)
Platoon, directed by Oliver Stone, won the Best Picture award in 1986. The film explores the experiences of a young recruit serving in Vietnam during the war. With its gritty realism and powerful performances, Platoon stands out as one of the most visceral depictions of war in film history.5. Rain Man (1988)
Rain Man, directed by Barry Levinson, took home the Best Picture award in 1988. The film stars Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman as estranged brothers who reunite after their father's death. Hoffman plays Raymond Babbitt, an autistic man with remarkable memory skills. The film received widespread critical acclaim for its accurate portrayal of autism, superb acting performances, and its heartwarming story.Conclusion
The '80s were defined by some of the best movies in cinematic history, many of which won the Best Picture award at the Oscars. These five films are just some of the most memorable pictures from that decade. From Chariots of Fire to Rain Man, these movies continue to inspire and entertain audiences around the world, their legacy still felt today in the world of film.Academy Award For Best Picture In The '80s: A Look Back at The Decade That Changed Cinema
The 1980s was a decade that changed cinema in many ways. It was a time when the movie industry witnessed significant changes, from the emergence of new genres to the use of groundbreaking special effects in movies. One of the most anticipated awards in the film industry during this period was the coveted Academy Award for Best Picture.
Many critically acclaimed films made their way to the big screen during the '80s. Some of these were unforgettable masterpieces that went on to become cult classics, while others faded into oblivion. Still, some of the more memorable films were recognized by the Academy and awarded the Best Picture trophy. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the winners of the Academy Award for Best Picture in the '80s.
The first year of the decade saw the classic drama Ordinary People take home the award. The film dealt primarily with the struggles of a family dealing with the aftermath of a tragic incident. It also explored the nature of human relationships and the complexities of grief. The movie received rave reviews and is still revered by film critics today.
Next up, we have the iconic musical-drama Chariots of Fire, which tells the story of two athletes from different backgrounds working towards competing at the 1924 Olympics. The fantastic soundtrack and excellent performances from the cast, including Ian Charleson and Ben Cross, made this film an instant hit with audiences and critics alike. It also went on to win four Oscars in total.
1983 saw a significant shift in tone with the dystopian epic, Terms of Endearment. The film portrayed a realistic portrayal of familial relationships and all their ups and downs. It made viewers laugh, cry, and empathize with the characters, a testament to the excellent writing and performances from the cast, which included Shirley MacLaine and Jack Nicholson.
The mid-eighties brought what many consider to be one of the greatest films ever made: Amadeus. The period piece explored the life and work of famous composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, delving into his genius and eccentricities as well as his turbulent relationships and eventual demise. With incredible performances by Tom Hulce and F. Murray Abraham, this film is still considered a masterpiece today and has influenced many films that followed.
Out of Africa was another Best Picture winner in the '80s that captured audiences with its sweeping scenes of the African continent and a memorable romance between a plantation owner played by Meryl Streep and a handsome hunter played by Robert Redford. This timeless classic was full of memorable dialogue and performances by the cast that made it resonate with audiences during its release and since.
The decade ended with two critically acclaimed movies that have gone on to become fan favorites: Rain Man and Driving Miss Daisy. Rain Man starred Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise in two unforgettable performances as two estranged brothers reunited under unfortunate circumstances. It was a moving drama that tackled a serious subject matter with just enough humor to keep things entertaining. Driving Miss Daisy, on the other hand, was a delightful tale of an unlikely friendship that developed between an elderly Jewish woman and her African-American driver in the deep south of America.
All these films have one thing in common: they are excellent movies that have stood the test of time. They continue to receive high praise from critics, and their messages and themes remain as relevant and resonant as ever.
In conclusion, the Academy Award for Best Picture in the '80s showcased a decade full of great movies. Whether it was a drama, musical, or romantic-comedy, each of these movies left a lasting impression on audiences. They also contributed to shaping the film industry that we know today. The '80s was a decade known for its glitz and glamor, but it was also a time when movies tackled complex subjects with real depth and nuance.
Thank you for reading! We hope this article has inspired you to revisit some of these incredible films from the '80s and appreciate them anew.
People also ask about Academy Award For Best Picture In The '80s
What were the winners of the Academy Award for Best Picture in the '80s?
The Academy Award for Best Picture in the '80s was won by:
- 1980 - Ordinary People
- 1981 - Chariots of Fire
- 1982 - Gandhi
- 1983 - Terms of Endearment
- 1984 - Amadeus
- 1985 - Out of Africa
- 1986 - Platoon
- 1987 - The Last Emperor
- 1988 - Rain Man
- 1989 - Driving Miss Daisy
Who won the most Best Picture awards in the '80s?
Producer David Puttnam won two Best Picture awards in the '80s for Chariots of Fire (1981) and The Killing Fields (1984).
How many nominations did Steven Spielberg receive in the '80s?
Steven Spielberg received three Best Picture nominations in the '80s: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982), The Color Purple (1985), and Empire of the Sun (1987).
Did any foreign films win Best Picture in the '80s?
Yes, two foreign-language films won Best Picture in the '80s: the British film Chariots of Fire (1981) and the Italian film The Last Emperor (1987).