Relive the Glory of the '80s: A Look Back at Academy Award Winners for Best Picture

The Academy Awards, popularly known as the Oscars, are an annual ceremony honoring outstanding achievements in the film industry. The Best Picture category is undoubtedly the most anticipated award, and it has a long history that dates back to 1929.

Since then, many films have been honored with the title of Best Picture, and in the '80s, several masterpieces made history. But what were they?

The Best Picture Winners of the '80s

The '80s were a decade of groundbreaking movies that set the benchmark for the future of cinema. Here's a list of the Best Picture winners and their remarkable accomplishments:

1980 - Ordinary People

Robert Redford's directorial debut, Ordinary People, took home the trophy for Best Picture in 1980, beating fan-favorite Raging Bull. The film delves into the dynamics of a dysfunctional family and their struggle with grief.

1981 - Chariots of Fire

Chariots of Fire, directed by Hugh Hudson, tells the story of two British athletes and their journey to compete in the 1924 Olympics. The film produced one of the most iconic scenes in cinematic history, with the memorable score by Vangelis.

1982 - Gandhi

Gandhi is a biographical drama directed by Richard Attenborough, which depicts Mahatma Gandhi's non-violent resistance against British rule in India. The epic saga won eight Oscars, including Best Picture.

1983 - Terms of Endearment

Terms of Endearment is a comedy-drama directed by James L. Brooks, which explores the complexities of mother-daughter relationships. The film also won Best Actress for Shirley MacLaine and Best Supporting Actor for Jack Nicholson.

1984 - Amadeus

Amadeus, directed by Milos Forman, is a biographical drama that portrays the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The film won eight Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for F. Murray Abraham.

1985 - Out of Africa

Out of Africa, directed by Sydney Pollack, is an epic romantic drama set in colonial Kenya. The film stars Meryl Streep and Robert Redford, and it won seven Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director.

1986 - Platoon

Platoon, directed by Oliver Stone, is a war film that depicts the Vietnam War's brutal realities. The film won four Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director, and it is considered one of the most realistic portrayals of war on film.

1987 - The Last Emperor

The Last Emperor, directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, is a biographical drama about the life of Pu Yi, the last emperor of China. The film won nine Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director, making it the most awarded film of the year.

1988 - Rain Man

Rain Man, directed by Barry Levinson, is a comedy-drama that explores the bond between two estranged brothers. The film stars Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise, and it won four Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Hoffman.

1989 - Driving Miss Daisy

Driving Miss Daisy, directed by Bruce Beresford, is a heartwarming comedy-drama about the relationship between an elderly Jewish woman and her African-American chauffeur. The film won four Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Jessica Tandy.

The '80s - A Golden Era for Filmmaking

The '80s were indeed a golden era for filmmaking, and the Best Picture winners of the decade prove just that. These films not only entertained audiences worldwide, but they also made significant contributions to the cinematic landscape. From war dramas to romantic epics, the '80s had it all.

Furthermore, these films showcased the talents of actors, directors, and writers alike, leading to countless future successes. It is no surprise that many of the films on this list continue to be regarded as some of the greatest movies of all time.

In conclusion, if you are a lover of cinema and seek to delve into some of the best films of the '80s, look no further than the Best Picture winners. These films provide not only entertainment but also a glimpse into a time when Hollywood was at its peak.

"Academy Award For Best Picture In The '80s?" ~ bbaz

Introduction

The eighties were an exciting time for movies, and the Academy Awards recognized the best of the decade with their Best Picture award. In the '80s, the Academy recognized groundbreaking films that continue to captivate audiences today. From dramas to comedies and everything in between, the '80s had it all.

1980

1980 was a year of big nominations, with films like Ordinary People, Tess, and Coal Miner's Daughter competing for the Best Picture award. Ordinary People eventually took home the prize, with its emotionally complex story about a family dealing with grief.

1981

In 1981, the Best Picture award went to Chariots of Fire, a British drama that tells the story of two athletes competing in the 1924 Olympics. The film is known for its iconic theme tune and its powerful performances.

1982

Gandhi, a biographical film about the life of Mahatma Gandhi, won the Best Picture award in 1982. The film, which starred Ben Kingsley in the title role, was praised for its sweeping scope and impressive attention to detail.

1983

The Best Picture winner of 1983 was Terms of Endearment, a moving family drama that explores the complicated relationships between a mother and her daughter. The film starred Shirley MacLaine, Debra Winger, and Jack Nicholson, and won five Oscars in total.

1984

In 1984, the Academy recognized Amadeus, a biographical film about the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The film, which starred Tom Hulce and F. Murray Abraham, was praised for its stunning performances and its beautiful score.

1985

1985 saw the Best Picture award go to Out of Africa. The epic romance film starred Meryl Streep and Robert Redford, and was based on the memoirs of Danish author Karen Blixen. The film won seven Academy Awards in total, including Best Director for Sydney Pollack.

1986

Platoon, a gritty and realistic war drama set during the Vietnam War, won the Best Picture award in 1986. The film, which was directed by Oliver Stone, starred Charlie Sheen, Willem Dafoe, and Tom Berenger.

1987

The Last Emperor, a biographical film about the life of Chinese emperor Puyi, won the Best Picture award in 1987. Directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, the film was praised for its stunning visuals and its impressive attention to historical detail.

1988

Rain Man, a heartwarming drama about two brothers who bond over a road trip, won the Best Picture award in 1988. The film starred Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman, who won an Oscar for his portrayal of an autistic savant.

1989

In 1989, the Best Picture award went to Driving Miss Daisy, a comedy-drama about the relationship between an elderly Jewish woman and her African-American chauffeur. The film, which starred Jessica Tandy and Morgan Freeman, won four Oscars in total.

Conclusion

The Best Picture winners of the '80s were an impressive and varied bunch. From intimate family dramas to sweeping historical epics, these films continue to captivate audiences today with their powerful storytelling and memorable performances. The Best Picture award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the filmmakers who brought these stories to life, and their impact will be felt for years to come.

Academy Award For Best Picture In The 80s: A Comparison of the Greatest Films

Introduction

The 1980s was a decade full of memorable movies, with several exceptional films winning the Academy Award for Best Picture. From period dramas to romantic comedies and thrilling action blockbusters, there was something for everyone. In this article, we will compare and contrast each of the eight Oscar-winning films from the 80s, discussing their plotlines, casts, audience reception, and critical acclaim.

Ordinary People (1980)

Ordinary People stars Mary Tyler Moore and Donald Sutherland as a couple dealing with the painful aftermath of a family tragedy. The film, directed by Robert Redford, takes a closer look at the toxic dynamics and emotional turmoil within a seemingly perfect American family. It is a poignant, powerful drama that explores themes of grief, guilt, and resilience.While Ordinary People won four Oscars, including Best Director, Best Supporting Actor (for Timothy Hutton), and Best Adapted Screenplay, it was not a huge box office hit. Some viewers found it slow-paced, while others felt that the characters were unsympathetic.

Box Office:

$54.8 million worldwide

Rotten Tomatoes Score:

89%

Personal Opinion:

Ordinary People is a beautifully crafted, emotionally affecting film that deserves to be remembered as one of the best dramas of the 80s.

Chariots of Fire (1981)

Chariots of Fire tells the story of two track athletes, Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell, who compete in the 1924 Olympics. Directed by Hugh Hudson and starring Ben Cross, Ian Charleson, and Nigel Havers, this British sports drama is inspiring, well-paced, and expertly acted.Chariots of Fire won four Oscars, including Best Original Screenplay, Best Costume Design, and Best Original Score (composed by Vangelis). It was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $58 million worldwide. Its memorable theme song, The Olympic Spirit, remains an iconic piece of music to this day.

Box Office:

$58.9 million worldwide

Rotten Tomatoes Score:

85%

Personal Opinion:

Chariots of Fire is a classic sports movie that still holds up today. Its themes of perseverance, individualism, and national identity are timeless.

Gandhi (1982)

Gandhi is a sweeping epic biopic about the life of Mahatma Gandhi, the Indian leader who led a nonviolent struggle for independence from colonial British rule. Directed by Richard Attenborough and starring Ben Kingsley, the film is a masterful achievement in filmmaking, featuring stunning cinematography, an unforgettable score, and impeccable acting.Gandhi won eight Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (for Kingsley), Best Original Screenplay, and Best Cinematography. It was highly praised for its historical accuracy and its powerful portrayal of one of the most revered figures in modern history.

Box Office:

$127.8 million worldwide

Rotten Tomatoes Score:

94%

Personal Opinion:

Gandhi is a must-see movie that showcases the life and legacy of one of the world's most influential figures. It is a triumph of historical filmmaking.

Terms of Endearment (1983)

Terms of Endearment is a heartwarming family drama that follows the lives of a mother and daughter (played by Shirley MacLaine and Debra Winger) over several decades. Directed by James L. Brooks and featuring an all-star cast that includes Jack Nicholson, Jeff Daniels, and John Lithgow, the film is a touching exploration of love, loss, and sacrifice.Terms of Endearment won five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress (for MacLaine), and Best Supporting Actor (for Nicholson). It was a commercial success, grossing over $100 million worldwide, and it earned critical acclaim for its performances and its emotional depth.

Box Office:

$108.4 million worldwide

Rotten Tomatoes Score:

87%

Personal Opinion:

Terms of Endearment is a testament to the power of family and the bonds that hold us together. It is a movie that will make you laugh, cry, and feel deeply touched.

Amadeus (1984)

Amadeus is a breathtakingly beautiful period drama that tells the fictionalized story of Antonio Salieri (played by F. Murray Abraham), a rival composer of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (played by Tom Hulce) in 18th-century Vienna. Directed by Milos Forman and featuring brilliant performances, stunning visuals, and a stirring musical score, the film is a masterpiece of cinema.Amadeus won eight Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (for Abraham), Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Art Direction. It was a commercial success, grossing over $50 million worldwide, and it was praised for its exquisite attention to detail and its riveting storytelling.

Box Office:

$90 million worldwide

Rotten Tomatoes Score:

97%

Personal Opinion:

Amadeus is a sublime work of art that transports you to another time and place. It is a visually stunning, emotionally resonant film that you won't forget anytime soon.

Out of Africa (1985)

Out of Africa is a sweeping romantic drama that follows the true story of Karen Blixen (played by Meryl Streep), a Danish writer who moves to Kenya to start a coffee plantation. Directed by Sydney Pollack and featuring breathtaking cinematography, a soaring score, and powerful performances, the film is a romantic masterpiece.Out of Africa won seven Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, and Best Original Score. It was a commercial hit, grossing over $227 million worldwide, and it was praised for its lush visuals and its timeless love story.

Box Office:

$227.5 million worldwide

Rotten Tomatoes Score:

60%

Personal Opinion:

Out of Africa is an engrossing, romantic drama that showcases the beauty of Africa and the power of love. It may not be perfect, but it is certainly worth watching.

Platoon (1986)

Platoon is a gritty, realistic war film that tells the story of a young American soldier (played by Charlie Sheen) who is torn between his moral convictions and his duty to fight in the Vietnam War. Directed by Oliver Stone and featuring intense action scenes, strong performances, and unflinching realism, the movie is a harrowing depiction of the horrors of war.Platoon won four Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Sound, and Best Film Editing. It was a commercial success, grossing over $138 million worldwide, and it was praised for its unvarnished portrayal of the physical and emotional tolls of combat.

Box Office:

$138.5 million worldwide

Rotten Tomatoes Score:

81%

Personal Opinion:

Platoon is a powerful, thought-provoking film that forces you to confront the brutal realities of war. It is a must-see for anyone interested in war movies or American history.

The Last Emperor (1987)

The Last Emperor is a visually stunning, epic historical drama that follows the life of Pu Yi (played by John Lone), the last emperor of China, from his childhood to his imprisonment under communist rule. Directed by Bernardo Bertolucci and featuring lush, colorful cinematography, intricate production design, and superb acting, the movie is a triumph of filmmaking.The Last Emperor won nine Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, and Best Art Direction. It was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $43 million worldwide, and it was lauded for its scope, beauty, and sensitivity.

Box Office:

$43.9 million worldwide

Rotten Tomatoes Score:

92%

Personal Opinion:

The Last Emperor is an unforgettable cinematic experience that sweeps you away to another land and time. It is a true masterpiece of historical filmmaking.

Rain Man (1988)

Rain Man is a touching, funny road movie that tells the story of Charlie Babbitt (played by Tom Cruise), a self-absorbed car dealer who discovers that he has a brother, Raymond (played by Dustin Hoffman), who is autistic and lives in a mental institution. Directed by Barry Levinson and featuring dynamic performances, intelligent writing, and heartfelt emotion, the movie is a modern classic.Rain Man won four Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (for Hoffman), and Best Original Screenplay. It was a huge box office hit, grossing over $354 million worldwide, and it was praised for its humor, heart, and social commentary.

Box Office:

$354.8 million worldwide

Rotten Tomatoes Score:

89%

Personal Opinion:

Rain Man is an enjoyable, affecting film that will make you laugh, cry, and feel grateful for the people you love. Its message of acceptance and understanding is still relevant today.

Conclusion

As we have seen in this comparison article, each of the eight Academy Award-winning films from the 80s is unique and remarkable in its own way. From gripping war dramas to sweeping historical epics, these movies exemplify the best of what cinema has to offer. Whether you like romantic dramas or sports movies, historical biopics or family dramas, there is something for everyone in this collection of Oscar-winning pictures.

Academy Award For Best Picture In The '80s

The '80s were a decade of great movies that received excellent recognition and awards at the Academy Awards. The Best Picture category has always been the most prestigious award at the Oscars. This article will provide a brief overview of the Best Picture winners in the '80s and why they won.

The 1980 Oscars

In 1980, the winner for Best Picture was Ordinary People. It was a drama film about a family's struggle to cope with the loss of their son. The film was directed by Robert Redford, and it starred Mary Tyler Moore, Donald Sutherland, and Timothy Hutton. It won four Oscars, including Best Director for Redford.

The 1981 Oscars

In 1981, the Best Picture winner was Chariots of Fire, which was a British historical drama about two athletes who compete in the Olympic Games. The movie was directed by Hugh Hudson, and it starred Ben Cross, Ian Charleson, and Nigel Havers. It won four Oscars, including Best Original Score for Vangelis.

The 1982 Oscars

In 1982, the Best Picture winner was Gandhi, which was an epic biographical film about the life of Mahatma Gandhi. The movie was directed by Richard Attenborough, and it starred Ben Kingsley, Rohini Hattangadi, and Candice Bergen. It won eight Oscars, including Best Director for Attenborough and Best Actor for Kingsley.

The 1983 Oscars

In 1983, the Best Picture winner was Terms of Endearment, a drama film about a mother and daughter's relationship over the years. The film was directed by James L. Brooks, and it starred Shirley MacLaine, Debra Winger, and Jack Nicholson. The movie won five Oscars, including Best Director for Brooks and Best Actress for MacLaine.

The 1984 Oscars

In 1984, the Best Picture winner was Amadeus, which was a biographical film about the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The movie was directed by Milos Forman, and it starred Tom Hulce, F. Murray Abraham, and Elizabeth Berridge. The film won eight Oscars, including Best Director for Forman and Best Actor for Abraham.

The 1985 Oscars

In 1985, the Best Picture winner was Out of Africa, a romantic drama film about a Danish baroness running a coffee plantation in Kenya. The movie was directed by Sydney Pollack, and it starred Meryl Streep, Robert Redford, and Klaus Maria Brandauer. The film won seven Oscars, including Best Director for Pollack.

The 1986 Oscars

In 1986, the Best Picture winner was Platoon, a war film about a young soldier's experiences during the Vietnam War. The movie was directed by Oliver Stone, and it starred Tom Berenger, Willem Dafoe, and Charlie Sheen. The film won four Oscars, including Best Director for Stone.

The 1987 Oscars

In 1987, the Best Picture winner was The Last Emperor, a historical drama film about the life of the last Emperor of China. The movie was directed by Bernardo Bertolucci, and it starred John Lone, Joan Chen, and Peter O'Toole. The film won nine Oscars, including Best Director for Bertolucci.

The 1988 Oscars

In 1988, the Best Picture winner was Rain Man, a drama film about a young man who sets out on a road trip with his autistic brother. The movie was directed by Barry Levinson, and it starred Dustin Hoffman, Tom Cruise, and Valeria Golino. The film won four Oscars, including Best Director for Levinson and Best Actor for Hoffman.

The 1989 Oscars

In 1989, the Best Picture winner was Driving Miss Daisy, a comedy-drama film about an elderly Jewish woman and her African-American chauffeur. The movie was directed by Bruce Beresford, and it starred Jessica Tandy, Morgan Freeman, and Dan Aykroyd. The film won four Oscars, including Best Actress for Tandy and Best Supporting Actor for Freeman.

Conclusion

The Best Picture winners of the '80s had each captured the essence of their respective genres and were all deserving of their Oscar wins. Their unique stories and strong performances left an indelible mark in the history of cinematic masterpieces. These films have stood the test of time and are still acclaimed today as some of the best movies of all time.

The Academy Award For Best Picture In The '80s: A Decade Of Outstanding Films

Welcome to our blog where we will take a trip down memory lane and relive some of the best films of the 1980s that were recognized by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences with the Best Picture award. This is the award that every filmmaker dreams of winning as it represents the highest honor in the film industry. The '80s were an exciting time for American cinema, and the decade saw some major changes that would go on to influence the future of the industry.

Let's start with 1980, when Ordinary People won Best Picture. The movie, directed by Robert Redford, explores the dynamics of an upper-middle-class family trying to deal with the aftermath of a tragedy. It's a poignant portrayal of the human condition that resonated with many and marked the beginning of an era of more straightforward storytelling.

In 1981, the award went to Chariots of Fire, directed by Hugh Hudson. The film tells the true story of two British athletes who competed in the 1924 Olympics. The movie's score, composed by Vangelis, became famous worldwide and is still recognized today as one of the greatest soundtracks in cinema history.

An epic film that won the Best Picture award in 1982 was Gandhi, directed by Richard Attenborough. The movie follows the life and legacy of the Indian leader who fought for his country's independence from British colonial rule. Ben Kingsley's performance as Gandhi was outstanding and played a major role in propelling the film to its position as Best Picture of that year.

1983 saw the victory of Terms Of Endearment, directed by James L. Brooks. The film is an emotional roller coaster that explores the relationship between a mother and her daughter. Its stellar cast, which includes Shirley MacLaine, Debra Winger, and Jack Nicholson, delivered powerful performances that captivated audiences around the world.

The '80s were also marked by some fantastic sci-fi films. Ridley Scott's groundbreaking Blade Runner was released in 1982. Although it did not win Best Picture, it is still one of the most influential films of the decade and helped pave the way for other sci-fi classics. In 1984, Amadeus won the award. Directed by Milos Forman, the film tells the story of the dramatic life of the composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and his rivalry with fellow composer Antonio Salieri.

Out Of Africa, directed by Sydney Pollack, won the award in 1985. The movie, based on the memoirs of Danish author Karen Blixen, tells the story of an aristocratic woman who moves to colonial Kenya in the early 1900s. It's a beautifully shot film that boasts spectacular cinematography and top-notch performances from its leads, Meryl Streep and Robert Redford.

In 1986, Platoon, directed by Oliver Stone, won Best Picture. The war drama set in Vietnam starred Tom Berenger, Willem Dafoe, and Charlie Sheen, and depicted the horrors of war in a visceral and realistic way. The film's success is attributed to its raw, uncompromising portrayal of the Vietnam War and the soldiers who fought in it.

The 1987 award went to The Last Emperor, directed by Bernardo Bertolucci. Shot in China, the movie tells the story of Pu Yi, the last emperor of China, from his early childhood to his final days as a political prisoner of the Communist government. The film won nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Cinematography.

In 1988, Rain Man, directed by Barry Levinson, won the award. The movie stars Tom Cruise as a selfish businessman who discovers he has an autistic older brother named Raymond, played by Dustin Hoffman. The film was praised for its representation of autism and went on to become a major success at the box office.

The decade ended with Driving Miss Daisy, directed by Bruce Beresford, winning the award in 1989. The film tells the story of a Jewish widow and her relationship with her African-American chauffeur in the American South. It's a heartwarming tale that tackles issues of race, bigotry, and prejudice.

In conclusion, the '80s were a decade of exceptional filmmaking that produced some of the most memorable movies in cinema history. These films dealt with themes that would go on to shape the future of the industry and represented a turning point in storytelling and representation in Hollywood. We hope you enjoyed this trip down memory lane and take some time to rewatch these fantastic movies.

Thank you for visiting our blog, and we hope to see you again soon for more exciting film-related content!

People Also Ask About Academy Award for Best Picture in the '80s?

What movies won Academy Award for Best Picture in the '80s?

The following movies won the Academy Award for Best Picture in the '80s:

1. 1980 - Ordinary People
2. 1981 - Chariots of Fire
3. 1982 - Gandhi
4. 1983 - Terms of Endearment
5. 1984 - Amadeus
6. 1985 - Out of Africa
7. 1986 - Platoon
8. 1987 - The Last Emperor
9. 1988 - Rain Man
10. 1989 - Driving Miss Daisy

What was the first movie to win Best Picture in the '80s?

The first movie to win Best Picture in the '80s was Ordinary People in 1980.

How many Best Picture winners in the '80s were based on true stories?

A total of five Best Picture winners in the '80s were based on true stories, namely:

• Gandhi (1982)
• Terms of Endearment (1983)
• Amadeus (1984)
• Platoon (1986)
• The Last Emperor (1987)

Who won Best Director for Gandhi?

Richard Attenborough won Best Director for Gandhi in 1982.

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