The Academy Awards, commonly known as the Oscars, have been celebrating the art of filmmaking for almost a century. From the very first silent films produced in the late 19th century to the recent cinematic marvels of the 21st century, the prestigious award ceremony has seen a multitude of genres and styles triumph. With the onset of the 21st century, the question of how cinema and the Academy Awards would adapt lingered. The answer remains as multifaceted and multi-dimensional as the ever-changing landscape of cinema.
In 2000, Ridley Scott’s masterpiece, Gladiator, echoed with the resonance of ancient Rome, rekindling the long-forgotten genre of sword-and-sandal epics. The film marked Russell Crowe’s zenith of fame as he masterfully portrayed the betrayed Roman General Maximus Meridius.
The following year, the biographical drama, ‘A Beautiful Mind’, under Ron Howard’s direction, presented a unique perspective on the life of Nobel laureate mathematician John Nash. The film beautifully captured Nash’s struggle with mental health, showcasing the intersection between genius and insanity while poignantly humanizing the respected scholar.
2002 brought ‘Chicago’, a musical extravaganza that powerfully translated Bob Fosse’s Broadway hit to the silver screen. The film, charged with themes of sex, violence, and jazz, dazzled the Academy with its Hollywood-style musical performances and audacious drama.
‘The Return of the King’, Peter Jackson’s final installment of the acclaimed ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy, secured the Best Picture title in 2003. The award served as a testament to the groundbreaking achievements of the entire trilogy rather than just the individual accomplishment of the third film.
In Clint Eastwood’s ‘Million Dollar Baby’ of 2004, a unique blend of classic themes – boxing and terminal illness – magically came together, with Hilary Swank beautifully portraying a female boxer. Transitioning to 2005, Paul Haggis’s ‘Crash’, a stark exploration of racism and class differences, secured an impressive six nominations, including the coveted Best Picture award.
In 2006, Martin Scorsese magnificently reimagined the Hong Kong thriller ‘Infernal Affairs’ in ‘The Departed’. The narrative, which revolves around two undercover operatives in a captivating game of cat and mouse, enthralled audiences and critics alike.
‘No Country for Old Men’, the 2007 Oscar winner adapted from Cormac McCarthy’s novel, follows a hunter who stumbles upon a violent drug trade in the Texan desert, resulting in a thrilling chase by a ruthless hitman. Danny Boyle’s ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ followed suit in 2008, profiling the tale of an impoverished Indian teenager who, against all odds, wins big on a popular TV show.
The next year brought Kathryn Bigelow’s ‘The Hurt Locker’, an electrifying depiction of a bomb defusing team in Iraq. ‘The King’s Speech’ in 2010 detailed the battle of King George VI to overcome a persistent stutter with the help of an unorthodox speech therapist, in the backdrop of his imminent accession to the British throne.
2011’s Best Picture award went to ‘The Artist’, a black-and-white silent film that charmingly commemorated the humble beginnings of cinema. ‘Argo’ in 2012 recounted the daring rescue mission of six Americans during the Iran Hostage Crisis, masking them as a film crew to ensure their safe return.
The subsequent year, in 2013, Steve McQueen’s ’12 Years a Slave’ painted a heart-wrenching picture of slavery, adapting Solomon Northup’s memoir into a highly impactful cinematic experience. ‘Birdman’ in 2014 delved into the world of superhero films and the pitfalls of celebrity fame, touching upon the challenges associated with artistic expression. ‘Spotlight’ in 2015 highlighted the Boston Globe’s investigation into a major scandal within the Catholic Church.
‘Moonlight’ in 2016 presented a sensitive portrayal of life, identity and love, followed by ‘The Shape of Water’ in 2017 portraying an unconventional love story. ‘Green Book’ in 2018 recounted a road trip through America’s South in the 1960s, underscoring racial dynamics of that era. In 2019 ‘Parasite’ depicted a socio-economic class clash within the paradigm of a dark comedy, followed by ‘Nomadland’ in 2020 chronicling a nomadic woman’s journey through the American West.
In 2021 ‘CODA’ touched hearts with its underdog plot of a young woman with deaf parents yearning to sing. ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ in 2022 took viewers on a fantastical journey merging realities, leading to ‘Oppenheimer’ in 2023, Christopher Nolan’s interpretation of the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the architect of the atomic bomb. Nolan’s undeterred vision brought to the screen a striking narrative that weighed heavy on the shoulders of history.