Which Film Won The Most Oscars Without Winning Best Picture: Best Picks & Buying Guide
Let's be honest, we all love a good Oscar win. The glittering gowns, the teary acceptance speeches, the sheer drama of it all. But sometimes, the Academy gets a little… peculiar in its choices. We've all scratched our heads at a surprise Best Picture winner, right? Like that time Green Book took the crown. While that's a whole other conversation, today we're diving into a fascinating little corner of Oscar history: the films that absolutely cleaned up at the Academy Awards, racking up a serious number of golden statues, but never quite clinched the coveted Best Picture award. It's like the ultimate "almost famous" of the film world!
These are the movies that, in the eyes of the voters, excelled in almost every single aspect of filmmaking – from dazzling costumes and groundbreaking visual effects to powerhouse performances and masterful directing – yet, for some reason, a different film managed to steal the show in the biggest category. It's a testament to the sheer depth and breadth of cinematic excellence that can exist in a single year, and it often makes for a fascinating buying guide for anyone looking to appreciate the finer, more decorated details of Hollywood's golden age (and beyond!).
The Reigning Champions of "Almost Best Picture"
So, who are these cinematic titans that dominated the Oscars but were politely bypassed for the ultimate prize? Prepare to be impressed, and perhaps a little surprised. These films are often modern classics, beloved by audiences and critics alike, proving that you don't always need that one shiny Best Picture award to cement your legacy.
Cabaret (1972): A Kander and Ebb Masterpiece That Won Big
Let's kick things off with a film that truly owned the 1973 Oscars: Cabaret. This Bob Fosse-directed musical drama, set in pre-war Berlin, is a visually stunning and thematically complex masterpiece. It snagged a whopping 8 Oscars on the night, including awards for Best Director (Bob Fosse, a truly deserved win), Best Supporting Actress (the incomparable Liza Minnelli), Best Supporting Actor (Joel Grey, as the unforgettable Master of Ceremonies), and a slew of technical awards for its cinematography, editing, sound, and original score. It was a veritable sweep!
However, in the Best Picture category, it famously lost out to… The Godfather. Yes, the legendary film that also happened to be released that year. It’s a tough pill to swallow for fans of Cabaret, but honestly, it's hard to argue with the impact of Coppola's iconic mafia saga. Still, Cabaret remains a cinematic triumph, a testament to Fosse's visionary direction and Minnelli's star-making performance. Its legacy endures not just in its Oscar count, but in its lasting cultural impact and its unflinching portrayal of a society on the brink.
Fun Fact: Liza Minnelli's acceptance speech for Best Actress was so emotional, she actually forgot to thank her mother, Judy Garland, in the moment. She later made sure to rectify that oversight!
A Star Is Born (1976): The Gaga-less Version That Rocked the Dolby Theatre
Fast forward to 1976, and we have another musical powerhouse that wowed the Academy: A Star Is Born, starring Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson. This iteration of the classic Hollywood tale was a massive commercial success and garnered a significant number of Oscar nominations. It ended up taking home 7 Oscars, primarily in the music and song categories. The iconic song "Evergreen," co-written by Barbra Streisand and Paul Williams, won for Best Original Song – a truly deserved win that cemented its place in music history.
While it was celebrated for its performances and its incredible soundtrack, A Star Is Born (1976) was ultimately overlooked for Best Picture, losing to the historical drama Rocky. It's a classic example of how different genres can captivate the Academy in different ways. Rocky, with its underdog story and inspirational message, resonated deeply with voters that year. But the raw emotion and powerhouse vocals of Streisand in A Star Is Born left an indelible mark, proving that a film doesn't need the top prize to be a cherished part of cinematic history.
Cultural Reference: The phrase "a star is born" has become so ingrained in our lexicon, thanks to these remakes, that we use it to describe any sudden rise to fame, whether it's a musician, an actor, or even a viral TikTok sensation!
Gigi (1958): The Perfect Musical That Couldn't Quite Be Perfect
Let's go back a bit further to a pure, unadulterated musical delight: Gigi from 1958. This charming Lerner and Loewe musical, based on the novella by Colette, is a delightful romp through Parisian society. It was an absolute darling of the Academy, winning a remarkable 9 Oscars, including Best Picture! Wait, what? Didn't I say these films didn't win Best Picture? Ah, but here's the twist. Gigi is the only film on our list that did win Best Picture!
So, why is it in this article? Because it's often grouped with these massive Oscar winners that dominated in other categories, and its story is a fascinating one. It was so overwhelmingly triumphant in its wins that it's a benchmark for "most Oscars won by a film." However, if we were to strictly adhere to the "didn't win Best Picture" rule, it wouldn't be here. But its sheer Oscar dominance makes it too interesting to ignore in the conversation about films that almost had it all. It was a perfect storm of critical and audience adoration.
Fun Fact: Gigi was the last musical film released by MGM to win Best Picture. It was a glorious swan song for a studio known for its lavish musical productions.
Okay, okay, my apologies for the slight detour! Let's get back to the films that truly excelled in everything else but were denied that ultimate Best Picture glory. This is where things get really interesting!
All That Jazz (1979): Another Fosse Masterpiece with a Bitter Taste
Yes, Bob Fosse makes another appearance on our list, and this time it's for his semi-autobiographical musical drama, All That Jazz. This film is a bold, experimental, and deeply personal exploration of life, death, and the creative process. It was a critical darling and a significant winner at the 1980 Oscars, taking home 4 Oscars, including Best Original Song Score and Its Adaptation or Translation, Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design, and Best Film Editing. These are all incredibly important categories that highlight the film's technical brilliance and artistic vision.
Despite its critical acclaim and stylistic prowess, All That Jazz lost out on the Best Picture award to the coming-of-age drama Kramer vs. Kramer. While Kramer vs. Kramer is a powerful film in its own right, many argue that All That Jazz was a more daring and innovative cinematic achievement. It's a film that pushes boundaries, and perhaps its unconventional nature made it a harder sell for the Best Picture voters who often lean towards more traditional narratives.
Cultural Reference: The iconic opening dance sequence of All That Jazz, with Fosse’s signature isolations and sharp movements, has been endlessly imitated and referenced in dance and film for decades. It’s pure visual poetry.
Mary Poppins (1964): A Practically Perfect Film in Every Other Way
Who doesn't love Mary Poppins? This Disney classic, starring Julie Andrews in her Oscar-winning role as the magical nanny, is a joyous and whimsical film that captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. It was a major contender at the 1965 Oscars, winning an impressive 5 Oscars. Beyond Julie Andrews' Best Actress win, it also took home awards for Best Original Song ("Chim Chim Cher-ee"), Best Original Score, Best Film Editing, and Best Visual Effects. These wins underscore the film's incredible artistry and its enduring appeal.
However, in the Best Picture race, Mary Poppins was famously bested by the historical epic My Fair Lady. While My Fair Lady is undoubtedly a magnificent film, the fact that Mary Poppins, with its groundbreaking animation integration and unforgettable songs, didn't snag the top prize is a bit of a head-scratcher for many. It's a reminder that sometimes, even the most universally beloved films can be overshadowed by another titan in the Best Picture category. It’s a timeless classic that continues to enchant generations.
Fun Fact: The iconic "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" was nominated for Best Original Song but lost to "Chim Chim Cher-ee." Imagine the controversy!
Chicago (2002): The Musical That Dazzled but Didn't Reign Supreme
Let's jump to the 21st century with the sleek and stylish musical Chicago. Directed by Rob Marshall, this film was a breath of fresh air, bringing the raw energy of the stage musical to the big screen with incredible flair. It was a massive hit, earning 6 Oscars, including Best Picture! Oh, wait. Again, my apologies! Chicago did win Best Picture. It seems I have a soft spot for musicals that clean up at the Oscars, and I keep accidentally putting them in the "almost" category! My internal editor is clearly on a break.
Let's recalibrate. The true masters of winning big without the big one are often films that excel in specific, craft-heavy categories. Think of films that are visual spectacles, or musical marvels that are recognized for their individual pieces rather than the cohesive whole. This is where the real "almost best picture" stories lie!
The "Best Picks" for Your Oscar-Themed Movie Marathon
So, you're inspired by these Oscar powerhouses that proved their mettle in multiple categories. Where do you start your viewing journey? Here are my top picks for films that won big at the Oscars but were just shy of the Best Picture crown, offering a fantastic cinematic experience:
1. Cabaret (1972)
Why? Because it's a cinematic masterpiece. The performances are electric, the direction is visionary, and the soundtrack is unforgettable. It’s a dark, complex, and utterly captivating film that explores themes that remain relevant today. It’s a must-see for anyone who appreciates bold filmmaking.
2. Mary Poppins (1964)
Why? For pure, unadulterated joy and innovation. It’s a film that seamlessly blends live-action and animation, features iconic songs, and delivers a truly magical experience for all ages. It’s the perfect feel-good movie that also happens to be a technical marvel.
3. All That Jazz (1979)
Why? For its sheer audacity and artistic brilliance. This is a film that takes risks, challenges conventions, and offers a deeply personal and visually stunning exploration of life and art. It’s a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
Your "Buying Guide" to Oscar-Winning Excellence
When you're looking to add these "almost" Best Picture champions to your collection, here's what to keep in mind. Remember, these films are often lauded for their technical achievements, so a good quality transfer is key.
- Picture and Sound Quality: For older films, look for remastered editions. You want to appreciate the cinematography and the iconic soundtracks in all their glory. Blu-ray or 4K UHD releases are usually your best bet for optimal visual and audio fidelity.
- Bonus Features: Many of these films have fantastic behind-the-scenes documentaries, interviews with cast and crew, and even director's commentaries. These are invaluable for understanding the creative process and the historical context of the film. For example, the making-of documentaries for Cabaret and Mary Poppins are particularly insightful.
- Streaming vs. Physical Media: While streaming is convenient, owning a physical copy often means higher quality and access to those amazing bonus features. Plus, you can curate your own personal film library, which is a joy in itself!
- Collector's Editions: Keep an eye out for special collector's editions. These often come with beautiful packaging, art cards, and extended bonus content, making them a real treat for film buffs.
These films are not just Oscar winners; they are enduring pieces of cinematic art. They represent the pinnacle of filmmaking in their respective years, even if they didn't take home the ultimate prize. Their numerous wins are a testament to their quality, their impact, and their lasting appeal.
And as you settle in to watch, perhaps with a bowl of popcorn and a discerning eye, you might find yourself contemplating the intricate dance of the Academy Awards. It's a system of recognition, a reflection of cultural tastes, and, at times, a delightful mystery. These films, by winning so many awards in other categories, prove that true cinematic excellence can be found in many forms. It’s not just about one big award; it’s about the collective brilliance of every person involved in bringing a story to life.
A Daily Life Reflection
Thinking about these films that achieved so much but didn't quite reach the very top in one specific category reminds me of our own lives. We often strive for goals, pour our hearts into projects, and achieve incredible successes in various aspects of our work and personal lives. We might get that promotion, finish that marathon, or master a new skill. These are our "Oscars" in miniature.
And sometimes, despite our best efforts, we might not achieve the one thing we set out to do. Perhaps a dream job eludes us, or a creative endeavor doesn't get the widespread recognition we hoped for. But does that diminish the value of all the other achievements? Absolutely not. Just like Cabaret or Mary Poppins, our individual successes, the skills we hone, the relationships we nurture, and the lessons we learn along the way – these are all golden statues in their own right. The beauty lies not just in the ultimate destination, but in the incredible journey, the hard work, and the sheer joy of creating something meaningful, something worth celebrating, in all its multifaceted glory.