Since 1929, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has been honoring what they deem the finest cinematic achievements of each year with the prestigious Oscar Awards. Celebrated globally, the Oscars represent the pinnacle of success in the film industry, gaining recognition beyond just Hollywood. However, it?s essential to acknowledge that not every film that wins an Oscar is inherently exceptional; in fact, some have garnered criticism for being below par.
While most Oscar-winning films are at least competent, there exist several winners that are considered anything from mediocre to utterly disappointing. From modern cinematic failures to pretentious films that the Academy favored in the early years, this list showcases the most regrettable Oscar winners throughout history.
10
‘The Iron Lady’ (2011) – A Biopic Divided
Won: Best Leading Actress (Meryl Streep) and Best Makeup
Margaret Thatcher is widely regarded as one of the most polarizing figures in British political history, often eliciting strong reactions from both supporters and detractors. Given this context, creating a film that portrays her as a flawed hero may not have been the most prudent choice. Despite this, The Iron Lady attempts to do just that, offering a biographical narrative that centers on an elderly Thatcher reflecting on her life while engaging in imagined conversations with her deceased husband, interspersed with flashbacks of her political career.
The film garnered two Academy Awards: one for its exceptional makeup artistry, which was undoubtedly deserved, and another for Meryl Streep‘s portrayal of Thatcher, a recognition that some critics argue was less merited. What could have been a groundbreaking biopic of the 2010s is, instead, criticized for its lack of political depth and bland storytelling. While its Oscar achievements may not be considered a complete disaster, they certainly do not elevate the film?s overall quality.
9
‘The Nutty Professor’ (1996) – A Comedic Disappointment
Won: Best Makeup
Eddie Murphy, the comedic sensation of the 1980s, faced a noticeable decline in the quality of his films by the mid-1990s. By the time The Nutty Professor hit theaters, it was apparent that his career choices had shifted dramatically. The film follows an overweight, kind-hearted professor who ingests a special formula that transforms him into the slim but obnoxious Buddy Love.
Murphy delivers a commendable performance, showcasing his talent for playing multiple characters through impressive makeup and prosthetics. The film?s sole Oscar was awarded for its makeup, which some critics view as a questionable honor, as it implies that a film of such childish and silly nature can be termed “Oscar-winning.” Nonetheless, the makeup artistry is undeniably commendable, distinguishing the film in an otherwise lackluster landscape.
8
‘Earthquake’ (1974) – A Disastrous Film Experience
Won: Best Sound and Special Achievement Award for Visual Effects
Regarded as one of the most disappointing disaster films of the 20th century, Earthquake features a star-studded ensemble cast, including Charlton Heston, Ava Gardner, and George Kennedy. This dark comedy intertwines the stories of various characters as they navigate the chaos of a catastrophic earthquake that strikes Los Angeles.
While the production design and visual effects earned the film a Special Achievement Oscar, these technical aspects are virtually the only redeeming qualities of Earthquake. The film suffers from a lack of engaging characters and a clichéd narrative that diminishes the stakes, leaving audiences unimpressed as they watch well-known actors portray one-dimensional roles amidst disaster.
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