HBO Max’s “31 Days of Oscar” feature of past Academy Award winners ended by showcasing Martin Scorsese’s The Aviator on March 31st. Though the list featured go-to classics like Casablanca, Rocky, and Hamlet, here are some of the more unexpected choices from the list.
Awards: Best Actor - Denzel Washington
An LAPD rookie played by Ethan Hawke gets paired with a long-serving narcotics detective (Denzel Washington). As the two go about the training together, the rookie realizes this detective enforces his own kind of justice while on the job, with a growing suspicion of which side of the law they are on.
Awards: Best Picture
Director Frank Lloyd’s best film adapts the 1932 novel inspired by the mutiny on the HMS Bounty, where the monstrous Lieutenant William Bligh succumbs to the virtuous first mate Christian, played by Clark Gable. Though this movie might not be historically accurate, Mutiny on the Bounty was the highest-grossing film of 1935.
Awards: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor - Javier Bardem, Best Adapted Screenplay
An adaptation of Cormac McCarthy’s novel of the same name, Joel & Ethan Coen use the Texan desert to frame a conflict between an opportunistic welder, a local sheriff, and an enigmatic hitman.
Awards: Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Costume Design, Best Original Score
Two men of different backgrounds compete as runners at the 1924 Paris Olympics; one is a Scottish Christian, the other a Jewish Englishman.
Awards: Best Picture, Best Actress, Best Dance Direction
Though it lacks the depth sought in modern Best Picture winners, this musical adaptation of Florence Ziegfeld Jr.’s Broadway revues still has thrills thanks to massive production and humor.
Awards: Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress - Lupita Nyong’o
David Wilson’s 1853 slave memoir translates beautifully to the screen thanks to its remarkable cast, John Ridley’s brilliant screenplay, and Steve McQueen’s masterful direction.
Awards: Best Actress - Bette Davis, Best Supporting Actress - Fay Bainter
Jezebel bears plenty of similarities to the much more famous Gone With The Wind, but Bette Davis’ performance maintains the cruelty of her best roles despite the film's imperfections.
Awards: Best Supporting Actress - Cate Blanchett, Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing
Martin Scorsese directs a biopic of the life of Howard Hughes (Leonardo DiCaprio). That information alone should convince you to watch this great film!
Watch all these movies on HBO Max now!