History's Biggest Oscars Snubs: When The Academy Got It Wrong

Axel S�rensen

5 min read

Post on May 08, 2025

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The "Citizen Kane" Controversy (1942): A Masterpiece Overlooked

Why Citizen Kane deserved to win Best Picture.

Citizen Kane, Orson Welles’ directorial debut, was a cinematic revolution. Its innovative storytelling, groundbreaking cinematography, and profound thematic depth set a new standard for filmmaking.

• Groundbreaking Techniques: The film pioneered the use of deep focus, low-angle shots, and non-linear storytelling, techniques still admired and emulated today.
• Unforgettable Performance: Welles himself delivered a compelling performance as Charles Foster Kane, a complex and enigmatic character.
• Lasting Influence: Citizen Kane continues to be studied and celebrated as one of the greatest films ever made, inspiring generations of filmmakers.

The fact that it lost Best Picture to How Green Was My Valley remains a source of endless debate. How Green Was My Valley, while a well-made film, simply didn't possess the same level of innovative cinematic artistry. The snub dramatically impacted Welles' career, arguably hindering his future projects and access to similar levels of creative control.

Analyzing the Academy's potential biases in 1942.

Several factors likely contributed to Citizen Kane's shocking defeat. Welles' relatively young age and somewhat controversial reputation might have worked against him. The Academy, at that time, might have favored more traditional storytelling styles. Political and social contexts of 1942, including the ongoing World War II, could also have influenced the voting.

"Raging Bull" and the Scorsese Snub (1981): A Director's Frustration

Martin Scorsese's Raging Bull (1980) is another prime example of an Oscars snub that continues to fuel discussion. This brutal and emotionally charged boxing drama, starring a career-defining Robert De Niro, is widely considered a masterpiece of American cinema.

Scorsese's cinematic genius and the merits of Raging Bull.

• Technical Prowess: The film's masterful cinematography, innovative editing techniques (particularly the use of slow motion), and powerful sound design were all exceptional.
• De Niro's Transformation: Robert De Niro’s physically and emotionally transformative performance as Jake LaMotta remains one of the greatest in cinematic history.
• Thematic Depth: Raging Bull explores themes of self-destruction, jealousy, and the corrosive nature of violence with remarkable power and nuance.

The film’s failure to win Best Picture, losing to Ordinary People, remains a significant disappointment for many cinephiles. This snub, however, became a footnote in the larger narrative of Scorsese’s eventual triumph, culminating in his Best Director win for The Departed in 2007. This late recognition highlighted the persistent injustice of his earlier omissions.

The impact of the snub on Scorsese's career (contextualize within his other films).

While Scorsese went on to receive numerous awards and accolades throughout his illustrious career, the Raging Bull snub underscored the Academy’s sometimes-unpredictable nature and the prolonged struggle for recognition for certain auteurs. The later recognition solidified his status as a cinematic legend but the early snub remains a reminder of the Academy's past inconsistencies.

Other Notable Best Picture Snubs:

• The Godfather Part II (1975): Widely considered a superior sequel, it lost to One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest.
• Casablanca (1943): Although a classic, it lost to Casablanca. However, its historical significance and lasting impact on popular culture are undeniable.
• Schindler's List (1994): While ultimately winning Best Picture, the initial lack of recognition for this powerful Holocaust drama highlights the Academy’s occasional delayed recognition of important films.

The Best Actor/Actress Snubs That Still Sting:

Numerous actors and actresses have delivered iconic performances that were controversially overlooked. Peter O'Toole's legendary career, despite eight nominations, never resulted in an Oscar win, a notable and often cited snub. Similarly, Glenn Close's repeated nominations without a win are often discussed amongst critics and fans alike. These examples demonstrate how subjective and sometimes unpredictable the awards process can be.

The Evolution of the Oscars and the Changing Landscape of Film:

The Academy's choices reflect evolving tastes and societal shifts. Recent years have seen a growing push for diversity and inclusion, leading to a wider range of nominees and winners. The impact of social media and immediate public reaction to nominations and wins adds a new layer of complexity to the entire process.

Conclusion:

From Citizen Kane's groundbreaking cinematography to Raging Bull's raw intensity, the Oscars have, at times, overlooked cinematic masterpieces. These snubs highlight the subjective nature of artistic judgment and the complex interplay of factors influencing the Academy's decisions. While the Academy has undoubtedly evolved, these historical omissions serve as a reminder of the occasional disconnect between critical acclaim and award recognition. What are your thoughts on history's biggest Oscars snubs? Share your opinions and contribute your own "biggest snubs" in the comments section! Let the discussion begin using #OscarsSnubs #AcademyAwards #MovieAwards.