Biggest Oscars Snubs: The Most Unbelievable Moments In Academy Awards History

Axel S�rensen

5 min read

Post on May 08, 2025

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The "Citizen Kane" Controversy: A Masterpiece Overlooked?

Orson Welles' groundbreaking filmmaking techniques.

• Innovative use of deep focus: Welles' masterful use of deep focus, keeping all planes of the image in sharp focus, was revolutionary for its time and significantly influenced subsequent filmmakers.
• Non-linear storytelling: The film's non-chronological narrative structure was a daring departure from traditional storytelling, adding to its complexity and intrigue.
• Groundbreaking cinematography: Gregg Toland's cinematography was nothing short of breathtaking, utilizing innovative lighting and camera angles to create a visually stunning experience.

Despite its groundbreaking techniques and lasting influence, Citizen Kane only won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. The Citizen Kane Oscars snub for Best Picture remains a source of intense debate, highlighting the Academy's occasional failure to recognize true cinematic innovation. The ongoing debate surrounding its snub underscores its enduring power and continues to fuel discussions about the Orson Welles Oscars legacy and the nature of cinematic excellence. The Best Picture snub continues to be a significant talking point among film enthusiasts, a testament to the film's lasting impact.

"Raging Bull" and the Scorsese Snub:

Martin Scorsese's masterpiece and the Best Director omission.

• De Niro's transformative performance: Robert De Niro's physically and emotionally demanding portrayal of Jake LaMotta is considered one of the greatest acting achievements in cinematic history.
• Scorsese's direction: Scorsese's direction is visceral and powerful, capturing the brutality and self-destruction of LaMotta with unflinching intensity.
• The film's impact on cinema: Raging Bull significantly impacted the way boxing films and character studies were approached, setting a new standard for both genres.

The Martin Scorsese Oscars snub for Best Director in 1981 for Raging Bull is one of the most infamous Best Director snubs in Academy Awards history. Despite the critical acclaim and its eventual status as a cinematic masterpiece, Scorsese's consistent oversight by the Academy for directing awards remains a point of contention. The film's Raging Bull Oscars win for Best Actor (De Niro) was deserved but didn't fully compensate for the oversight of Scorsese's brilliant direction.

Snubs of Leading Actresses: Powerful Performances Ignored

Examples of strong female performances that were overlooked.

Several powerful female performances have been shockingly overlooked by the Academy, often sparking debate about gender bias within the awards. For example, Glenn Close's numerous nominations without a win, and the lack of recognition for certain performances in films that celebrated male leads, have ignited conversations around the issue of Oscars gender bias. The Best Actress snub for [insert specific actress and film, e.g., Viola Davis in "Fences"] remains a prominent example of a deserving performance overlooked. The continuing discussion concerning female actors overlooked in the awards highlights the ongoing need for greater inclusivity and equity in recognizing outstanding contributions to cinema. Bullet points detailing specific instances would further enhance this section.

The Best Picture Snubs That Shocked the World

Focus on a few specific films that were considered frontrunners but lost Best Picture.

Several films considered frontrunners have suffered unexpected defeats in the Best Picture category, resulting in some of the most shocking Oscars upsets. For instance, [insert specific film, e.g., "The Dark Knight"] was a critical and commercial triumph, but lost to [insert winning film]. These Best Picture snubs highlight the unpredictable nature of the Academy Awards and the subjective nature of judging cinematic excellence. The Academy Awards controversies surrounding these decisions often involve considerations beyond just artistic merit, sometimes influenced by factors such as box office performance or perceived popularity. The analysis should delve into the specific reasons each film was considered a potential winner and how the upset impacted the films' legacy.

The Impact of Oscars Snubs: Long-Term Effects and Legacy

How have these snubs affected the films and careers involved?

The long-term effects of Oscars snubs are multifaceted. While a lack of an Oscar might not diminish a film's artistic merit, it can influence its popular reception and impact its box-office success. The impact of Oscars snubs on careers varies; some snubbed artists continue to thrive, their work solidifying their reputation regardless of Academy recognition, while others might experience a perceived setback.

The continued relevance of snubbed films like Citizen Kane and Raging Bull proves that the Academy’s choices don’t define a film’s ultimate legacy. These films remain celebrated as cinematic milestones, unaffected by the absence of a coveted golden statuette. The Academy's reputation has also been affected by these highly publicized snubs, raising questions about the fairness and consistency of its judging process. The Oscars legacy continues to be shaped by these memorable moments. Academy Awards reputation remains a subject of discussion and debate to this day.

Conclusion:

The history of the Oscars is peppered with surprising and controversial snubs. From the undeniable genius of "Citizen Kane" to the powerful performances consistently overlooked, these moments highlight the complexities and occasional inconsistencies of the Academy Awards. While the Academy's choices might not always align perfectly with public opinion or critical consensus, these "biggest Oscars snubs" continue to spark debate and remind us of the enduring power and artistry of cinema. Revisit these unforgettable moments and continue the conversation about the most unbelievable Oscars snubs – share your opinions on which snub you believe is the most outrageous!