Can You Name These Best Picture Winners?
- by Ryan Carlquist
- – on
- in Movies and TV
There is no higher honor in Hollywood than the coveted Academy Award, and the pinnacle of all the awards the Academy gives out is the Best Picture award. This quiz deals with the past 25 Best Picture winners, which some could consider to be the best films of their respective years. Many film lovers should be able to scan through this quiz and find some of their favorite films of all time, as the quiz itself features blockbusters, independent projects, in-depth character pieces, and biopics, but each one of these films, no matter the scope or the scale of the project, were able to dive into the psyche of the human characters present, and showcase an emotionally gripping story. No true self-proclaimed movie buff should miss any of these famous films on this quiz, and if anything it's a good lesson for any movie based trivia night that you might be attending in the future. Many actors and directors will appear multiple times on this list, which speaks volumes to the sheer amount of talent that is present in Hollywood today. Hopefully everyone will be able to find a film that they love throughout this quiz. Without further ado, test your movie knowledge by seeing: Can You Name These Best Picture Winners?
Can You Name This Redemption Tale?
Ridley Scott has created some of the greatest movies of all time, Alien, Blade Runner, and this film top his list of masterpieces. Another Russell Crowe film, this movie showcases the life of, “Maximus Decimus Meridius, Commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions, loyal servant to the true emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife.” And you better believe that he’ll have his revenge, either in this life or the next. Also of note, the film is simply gorgeous, and John Mathieson definitely deserved an Academy Award for his cinematography. The film was also scored by Hans Zimmer.
Can You Name This 2016 Drama?
This 2016 Oscar winner is notorious for having snuck the win out from under another film that had previously been presented as the best Oscar winner. The film revolved around three different time periods in the life of the main character of the film. The film explored numerous themes throughout its run time, including sexual identity and isolation, and abuse (both physical and emotional). The movie was filmed in Miami, Florida and was directed by FSU alum, Barry Jenkins. The film’s editor became the first black woman to be nominated for an editing Oscar.
Can You Name This Hanks Drama?
The film that everyone has seen at one point in their life, this film just might be the most beloved movie mentioned throughout this quiz. The film also spans multiple decades, as it explores the life of a single man, Forrest, played by Tom Hanks, who chases after the love of his life, joins the army, and treks across the country on foot because he just felt like running. It’s a story about perseverance and strength of character, and it also just so happens to have one of the greatest soundtracks in movie history.
Can You Name This Investigative Drama?
This is an extremely difficult film to watch, but it’s pacing and smart script make it an incredible drama. This film was directed by Tom McCarthy, and starred an ensemble cast, including Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams, John Slattery, Stanley Tucci, Live Schreiber, and Billy Crudup. The film explores the Boston Globe’s team of journalists that investigated the rampant child sex abuse that occurred in the Boston area via numerous Roman Catholic priests. The team earned The Globe the 2003 Pulitzer Prize for their brave acts of Public Service.
Can You Name This Acting Obsessed Picture?
Alejando G. Innaritu’s mind-bending psychological drama focused on the delineating acting career of an aging man, consumed by his previous work in the superhero film sub-genre. This film also had a stellar ensemble cast, featuring Michael Keaton, Emma Stone, Zack Galifanakis, Edward Norton, and Naomi Watts. It’s surprising that a film that defined basically all the archetypes that made a film, “Oscar worthy,” was able to win over the voters and beat out some other phenomenal films, like Whiplash, American Sniper, The Grand Budapest Hotel, and The Imitation Game.
Can You Name This Intense Peroid Piece?
This film finally earned Steve McQueen his much deserved Oscar, and starred Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Lupita Nyongo, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Brad Pitt. After directing Michael Fassbender in some truly incredible movies like Hunger and Shame, Steve McQueen finally made a film that truly hit with audiences, and presented a new and chilling look at the toughest and most disgusting period in America’s history. Chiwetel Ejiofor was able to deliver a career defining performance, and the script took us on an unforgettable journey that left us heartbroken and in awe.
Can You Name This Scottish War Film?
Mel Gibson’s masterpiece, this 1995 epic war film also starred the amazing Gibson. Gibson portrays William Wallace, a 13th century Scottish warrior who led his men in the First War of Scottish Independence against King Edward I of England. The film has what is possibly the single greatest speech in the history of cinema, and the sheer scale of the gigantic battles, and the breadth of character development in the film sets is apart from other large scale war films that focus more on the battles than the characters involved in them.
Can You Name This Political Thriller?
Ben Affleck originally won his first Oscar at 24 years old for screenwriting on the incredible film, Good Will Hunting, but this 2012 political thriller awarded him his first Oscar for directing. Not many actors are able to successfully perform from both behind and in front of the camera, but Ben Affleck proved that he could be included in a conversation that already included Clint Eastwood and Woody Allen. This film had yet another impressive cast led by Ben Affleck, and featured John Goodman, Scoot McNairy, Bryan Cranston, Alan Arkin, and Clea Duvall. This film also awarded Batman v Superman scribe Chris Terrio, his first Academy Award for Adapted Screenplay.
Can You Name This Black And White Drama?
This black and white character piece was directed by Michel Hazanavicius, and starred Jean Dujardin, Berenice Bejo, and John Goodman. The film is set in the 1920’s, and follows actor George Valentin, a matinee idol with thousands of fans. While working on his newest film, he begins to start a love affair with Peppy Miller, and all signs point to the fact that she feels the same way about him. The only problem is that George is married, and he doesn’t want to cheat on his wife with the young actress. The rising popularity of sound in film begins to push George out, while elevating Peppy to further stardom, which creates a rift in their budding relationship.
Can You Name This Character Drama?
A film that sounds entirely too boring on paper, this movie was astoundingly creative and emotionally compelling to the point of being a rewatchable Oscar film (a hard benchmark to achieve). Colin Firth delivers quite the astounding performance, anchored by the always fantastic Helena Bonham Carter and Geoffrey Rush. The film revolves around King George VI, who has trouble speaking because of his speech impediment. So she hires an Australian actor and speech therapist to help him out with his public speaking predicament.
Can You Name This Massive Blockbuster?
James Cameron’s massive blockbuster proved that even sweeping romances could pull off impressive box office numbers, and that it doesn’t hurt to have heartthrob Leonardo DiCaprio as your lead. The film has been constantly bashed since, as it does run incredible long, and the pacing feels like it moves at a slugs pace. But James Cameron was able to make a truly horrific story into a cheerful and inspiring romance film, and he was also one of the first directors to announce to the world that Leonardo DiCaprio was going to be the biggest star on the planet for decades to come.
Can You Name This Shakespearean Tale?
This film was directed by John Madden, and starred Joseph Fiennes and Gwyneth Paltrow, as William Shakespeare and his imaginary muse, Viola de Lesseps. The film explores what it could have looked like if Shakespeare was drawing inspiration for his classic tale, Romeo & Juliet from experiences in his own life with forbidden love and attraction. It’s interesting when films take alternative views of real life historical figures, and this one is no exception, being able to have a front row seat to see Shakespeare conceptualize and begin creating his famous story is really a treat.
Can You Name This Inspirational Drama?
This 2008 international drama starred Dev Patel, as an 18-year old who begins the film answering questions on the Indian version of, “Who Wants to be a Millionaire.” Flashbacks serve as the main course of storytelling, as the audience is presented the series of events that lead him to the competition. He must resist the temptation of quick cash, as his brother begins getting involved in the drug trade, but he chooses to pursue small jobs in hopes to one day strike it big.
Can You Name This Intense Western?
The Coen Brothers Western-Thriller masterpiece, this film showed off just how menacing Javier Bardem could be, and showcased just how masterful the Coen brothers could be, outside of their usual comedic fare. Josh Brolin and Tommy Lee Jones also delivered convincing performances, as men who were trying their hardest to understand exactly what type of criminal they were hunting. The film proves that Bardem’s villain is a different kind of criminal, along the lines of the Joker, a man who just wanted chaos for the sake of chaos, and to see if he could be stopped.
Can You Name This Scorsese Film?
Martin Scorsese’s masterpiece of a remake, this film revolutionized the twisting narrative structure, and had some incredible performances from everyone involved. The film starred Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Martin Sheen, Mark Wahlberg, Alec Baldwin, and Vera Farmiga. The film followed both DiCaprio and Damon’s characters, as they pretended to work for the opposing sides in a war between the Boston Police Department and a crime organization led by Nicholson. It stands as one of the greatest films by one of the greatest directors to ever live.
Can You Name This Female Centered Boxing Film?
Perhaps Clint Eastwood’s greatest directorial effort, this film starred himself, Hillary Swank, and Morgan Freeman. The film centers around Eastwood’s character, a retired ex-boxer who now works as a trainer in Los Angeles. He gets recruited by Swank to teach her to fight and stand her ground with the best of them, as they both make their shot at the title. The film really delves into their relationship, and it shows how the two of them (seemingly unchangeable people) can form a strong bond, and stop at nothing to get what they want.
Can You Name This Epic Adventure?
The final film of Peter Jackson’s beloved trilogy, this film shows our favorite hobbits and the rest of the fellowship traveling to Mordor to destroy the ring of power and bring peace to the land of Middle Earth. This film is certainly the most climactic of the three movies, and Jackson made sure to finish the franchise on a high note. Tolkien’s novels are loved the world over, and it seemed to be material that would forever remain “unfilmable,” but Jackson was able to prove that he had a real grasp on the material, and a penchant for bold filmmaking.
Can You Name This Musical?
This 2002 crime/musical was able to take a beloved play and transfer it into an equally incredible motion picture experience. The film revolves around two women played by Catherine Zeta Jones and Renee Zellweger, who both end up with criminal charges, being represented by Richard Gere. The two women compete against each other and the public for their shot at the spotlight, as they try to become celebrities. It’s certainly a story that only seems fit for the stage, but somehow Rob Marshall was able to portray a believable version of the story.
Can You Name This Drama Based On A True Story?
Russell Crowe has been involved in some truly incredible films over his professional career, and he even appears multiple times on this quiz. This Ron Howard directed picture was inspired by events in the life of John Forbes Nash Jr., and was also based in part on the biographical novel of the same name. He goes from beloved and well regarded to depraved and lost, as Nash suffers with his own view on reality, and his place in the world. It’s a film that is at times uniquely inspiring, and at others it’s genuinely heartbreaking, something few other directors could pull off.
Can You Name This Sam Mendes Film?
This just might be the strangest film on this entire quiz, but that in no way detracts from how incredible it is. Sam Mendes’ 1999 film starred Kevin Spacey as a 42-year-old advertising executive who experiences an extreme midlife crisis, and ends up falling madly in love with his teenage daughter’s best friend. The film is a direct criticism to the concept of American middle-class notions of beauty and personal satisfaction, and the film explores a variety of other themes, including love, sexuality, materialism, self-liberation, and redemption. It’s telling that a concept so inherently creepy can actually teach viewers a little about the way they view romantic infatuation.
Can You Name This Intricate Drama?
This film stars the brother of previously mentioned Joseph Fiennes, Ralph Fiennes, Willem Dafoe, Colin Firth, and Juliette Binoche. The film surround the final days of the Italian Campaign of World War II, as Hana, a French nurse working and living in an Italian monastery, looks after a burned man who speaks English but can’t recall his own name. The story later reveals that the burned man is none other than Count Laszlo de Almasy, who was mapping out the Sahara as part of the Royal Geographical Societies expedition in Egypt and Libya. It’s a truly powerful story that spans multiple eras.
Can You Name This Bomb Centered War Film?
This Kathryne Bigelow film stars Jeremy Renner as Staff Sergeant William James, a member of a bomb disposal unit occupied by himself, Sgt. J.T. Sanborn, and Specialist Owen Eldridge. Situations begin to escalate in Baghdad, as the lives of James and his crew get plunged deeper and deeper into treacherous territory. It’s impressive that Bigelow was able to capture the sheer raw emotion held within the bomb disposal specialists, and that she could properly display the terror that comes with an all-out war on terror. Bigelow has consistently proven herself as one of the greatest directors and storytellers of the modern age.
Can You Name This Black And White Holocaust Film?
Spielberg’s near silent black and white Holocaust film explores the life of Oscar Schindler, as he deals with the Nazi party and takes advantage of the Jewish people, before finding out about the horrific actions they are taking against humanity. The film then explores Schindler’s efforts to help the Jewish people, attempting to get them out of the internment camps, and help them to escape Nazi occupied Poland. Oscar Schindler went on to save the lives of more than a thousand mostly Polish-Jewish refugees from the Holocaust.
Can You Name This Unlikely Best Picture Winner?
This film is possible the most criticized modern Best Picture winner of the bunch, this film was directed by Paul Haggis, and starred Matt Dillon, Sandra Bullock, Thandie Newton, Don Cheadle, and Brendan Fraser, and was one of the bigger inter-connecting story films to achieve such high acclaim. The film was built around the 9/11 event, and dealt with numerous families, each dealing with themes of race, class, family, and gender in Los Angeles. And at a 75% on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s the lowest ranking film on this list.
Can You Name This Eastwood Western?
Clint Eastwood’s second entry on this quiz, the film revolves around William Munny, an aging outlaw and killer who takes on one final job after spending years as a retired farmer. The film stars Eastwood in the lead role, as well as Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman, and Richard Harris. This film actually went on to win four Academy Awards, from of course Best Picture, to Best Director, Best Supporting Actor for Hackman, and Best Film Editing for Joel Cox. The film was also the third Western in history to win the Oscar for Best Picture.