10 Movies That Shouldn’t Have Been Nominated for Best Picture

Many remarkable films that have been crowned as the Best Picture at the Oscars are undoubtedly among the greatest movies ever made. However, there are several films that, in my view, should not have even been nominated. These films, while perhaps not terrible, lack the merit to be considered among the all-time greats. Incredibly, some of these films actually won the award! Prepare yourselves as I present a list of what I believe are the most undeserving Best Picture nominees, bracing yourself for potential online backlash.

Vice (2018)

In my view, “Vice” received its nomination primarily due to the outstanding performances of Christian Bale as Dick Cheney and Sam Rockwell as George W. Bush. While I acknowledge that the film, penned and directed by Adam McKay, is indeed well-made, I’m not convinced it reaches the level of a Best Picture contender. Given that Bush wasn’t particularly favored in Hollywood at the time, I believe the nomination also served as a political statement, in my opinion.

Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)

I find this film challenging due to its historical inaccuracies, particularly at the end where the producers merged various events to evoke emotions, which unfortunately left me feeling frustrated rather than moved as intended. Yet, Rami Malik’s portrayal of Freddie Mercury was outstanding and richly deserved his Best Actor Oscar. It’s my own fault for expecting a historically accurate account from this movie.

Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close (2011)

The film “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close” is often criticized as one of the most disappointing nominees in history, and I must concur with that sentiment. Upon its initial nomination, I was left puzzled, and this feeling has persisted through the years. Even when I attempted to rewatch it a few years ago, hoping to change my mind, I found myself just as unimpressed. To put it simply, it’s not a movie that appeals to me, and I doubt my opinion will ever change.

The Greatest Show On Earth (1952)

The blockbuster film titled The Greatest Show on Earth possesses all the essential elements for an excellent movie. A stellar ensemble featuring Charlton Heston and Jimmy Stewart at its helm. A renowned director in Cecil B. DeMille and an intriguing topic centered around P.T. Barnum. However, despite these promising components, it fails to deliver on expectations. Instead of offering an enjoyable viewing experience, it seems more like a tedious task to watch.

Doctor Dolittle (1967)

It’s surprising that among all the timeless and delightful films suitable for families, it was Dr. Doolittle that was nominated for Best Picture. While it’s a fun watch for children, it lacks depth for adults, making it less compelling as a film overall. It’s unfortunate that this is one of the rare family movies to be recognized with a Best Picture nomination.

The Blind Side (2009)

As a devoted cinephile, I must admit that despite Sandra Bullock’s captivating performance and the commendable acting of the entire cast, “The Blind Side” feels more akin to a weekly television movie rather than a contender for the prestigious Best Picture award. Regardless of the discrepancies between the true story of Michael Oher and its portrayal in the film (and the book), it’s hard not to appreciate Bullock’s talent on screen, but the overall experience falls short of what one expects from a movie deserving such high accolades.

Crash (2004)

Among the most debated and contentious Best Picture winners ever, “Crash” is arguably one. While I acknowledge it’s a decent film, I strongly believe it was overstepped in its nomination, let alone winning. The movie showcases talent from all angles, yet somehow falls short. Initially, I found it appealing, which might explain the voters’ sentiment. However, over time, it has lost some of its charm. Its victory over films like “Brokeback Mountain,” “Capote,” and “Munich” only adds to the perplexity.

Cavalcade (1933)

The film “Cavalcade” is adapted from a delightful Noel Coward play, but it strays significantly from its theatrical counterpart. What’s even more perplexing to me is that I typically appreciate narratives blending real-life historical events with fictional characters; however, this movie seems to fall flat for some reason.

Babel (2006)

Frankly speaking, the 2006 film “Babel” left me utterly baffled. It seems to possess an air of intellectual sophistication or perhaps even strives for it. Although I’ve only watched it once, I believe it merits a second viewing. I should definitely revisit it, as it appears to be worth the effort.

The Godfather Part III (1990)

Among all the movies I’ve ever seen, The Godfather and its sequel, The Godfather Part II, hold a special place in my heart, with the first one being my undeniable favorite. I don’t dislike The Godfather Part III, but it doesn’t compare to the brilliance of the first two films for me. I believe it was only nominated for an Oscar due to its role in concluding one of the most extraordinary stories ever filmed, portraying the rise and fall of Michael Corleone – a tale that has left an indelible mark on cinema history.

Cimarron (1931)

Although Western films have been among the longest lasting and most beloved genres in Hollywood for many years, only four of them have ever been awarded the Best Picture Oscar: “Unforgiven,” “No Country For Old Men,” “Dances With Wolves,” and the 1931 film “Cimarron.” The first three are undeniably classics, but “Cimarron” is not as highly regarded. This is due to its outdated perspectives and subtle racial insensitivity, but mostly because it’s simply not very good, even though it was a massive success when initially released.

Chariots Of Fire (1981)

I share your sentiment that it’s not just me who feels perplexed about “Chariots of Fire” winning Best Picture in 1982, given it edged out the iconic film “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” I believe one reason for its enduring popularity could be due to the exceptional electronic score by Vangelis, a pioneer in the field. Furthermore, I think it’s fair to say that the accolade it received for the score was truly merited.

Les Misérables (2012)

2012’s adaptation of “Les Misérables,” drawn from the renowned musical, serves as a commendable film, yet perhaps not an exceptional one. The acting, particularly by Hugh Jackman, is striking, but it’s challenging not to contrast it with my cherished stage version of the musical. Regrettably, I find myself evaluating this adaptation against the stage production, which I adore, and it inevitably falls short for me. It’s unfair, I acknowledge, but that’s my personal perspective. Perhaps someday, my viewpoint will evolve regarding this film version.

Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)

Among all options, I find this one most appealing for my preferences to include on this list. Frankly, I’m not a fan of the Avatar franchise. To clarify, I admire the work and the groundbreaking technology employed in their creation, but the weak plotline and the design of the creatures, despite their visually stunning appearance, seem rather absurd to me. I hope James Cameron continues to produce more, as they are undeniably worth the investment, although they fall short of being contenders for Best Picture.

The Big Chill (1983)

This task was another breeze for me to tackle. As a Gen Xer, I find Baby Boomer nostalgia junk irritating. However, I must admit the soundtrack is great. I used to wear out that cassette as a child, and my affection for Motown stems from it.

War Horse (2011)

It goes without saying that the Academy hasn’t given Steven Spielberg the recognition he deserves throughout his career. Beyond any doubt, he is undeniably the most exceptional director of my generation. Even when his films aren’t at their best, they are still generally quite engaging to watch. However, War Horse stands out as an uncommon instance, and it somehow made it to the list of Best Picture nominees.

Driving Miss Daisy (1989)

In essence, the outstanding performances by Morgan Freeman and Jessica Tandy significantly elevated “Driving Miss Daisy” to its current recognition. If not for their exceptional portrayals, this movie might have faded into obscurity over time. I recall having enjoyed it once upon a time, but subsequent viewings have left me underwhelmed. Interestingly, it edged out several other remarkable films to secure the Best Picture Oscar: “Born on the Fourth of July”, “Field of Dreams”, “Dead Poets Society”, and “My Left Foot”.

Ordinary People (1980)

Is “Ordinary People” considered superior to “Raging Bull”? In 1981, it managed to outshine Martin Scorsese’s masterpiece, “Raging Bull,” as well as “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” to claim the title of Best Picture. However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t mean “Ordinary People” is a bad film; rather, it fell short compared to the exceptional movies it surpassed in the competition.

The Deer Hunter (1978)

As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but express my unique perspective on “The Deer Hunter.” For me, it often reminds me of podcaster John Roderick’s vivid description of a Russian Orthodox wedding in the movie. However, its length, which I appreciate in other films, feels excruciatingly long here.

Additionally, the portrayal of Russian Roulette as a practice in Vietnam strikes me as far-fetched, given historical facts. Nowadays, watching “The Deer Hunter” leaves me more frustrated than impressed.

The Accidental Tourist (1988)

Initially, I am thrilled that Geena Davis received an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in “The Accidental Tourist”. However, I must admit that the film isn’t particularly outstanding overall. When it first came out, it was a cultural sensation, but nowadays, it feels rather slow and, to be honest, quite dull.

Chicago (2002)

I genuinely try to appreciate Chicago, but somehow I just can’t. To me, it will always evoke images of a high school musical, and that’s not an unbiased perspective. I should clarify that this isn’t a reflection on the people who made the movie or their work, but I simply won’t grow fond of it. In the end, my feelings are my own – take it as it is.

Emilia Pérez (2024)

Emilia Pérez could be seen as a contentious inclusion in this list, however, her selection pales in comparison to the controversy that surrounded the movie upon its release in 2024. To be honest, I wasn’t fond of the film myself, but it sparked intense discussions with individuals whose opinions I value, making me wonder if my perspective might be skewed. Nevertheless, it didn’t make it onto my list of the top 10 movies of the year.

Shakespeare In Love (1994)

Another piece of cake for me, similar to the others on the list, it’s not a terrible film. However, when compared to “Saving Private Ryan”, “Pulp Fiction”, “The Shawshank Redemption”, and “Quiz Show” – all from 1994 – it doesn’t quite measure up. Interestingly, “Shakespeare in Love” outperformed them all at the Oscars that year. Now, this isn’t a reflection on the movie itself, but it’s important to acknowledge that “Shakespeare in Love” was not the best film of 1994.

Finding Neverland (2004)

I must admit, I was surprised at how well-received Finding Neverland turned out to be, and it continues to hold onto its popularity among fans. However, it failed to resonate with me. Since Johnny Depp was my favorite actor during that period, I might have been overly enthusiastic about this film and felt disappointed later on.

Don’t Look Up (2021)

I genuinely enjoy “Don’t Look Up,” but I found it unexpected that it was nominated for the Best Picture award. The acting is superb, the script has a sharp and gloomy wit (which are my favorites), and the film overall is skillfully produced. This is purely a matter of personal preference; it doesn’t feel like a typical Best Picture nominee to me, but I had a tough time leaving it out of my list, considering its merits.

2025-07-01 06:10