A Look Back at the very best Picture Winners of the Last 20 Years

As the Academy Awards approaches, movie buffs and critics alike are looking back at the past two decades of the greatest Picture winners. While some films have stood the test of time and are still considered modern classics, others have faded into obscurity. On this page, we’ll take a closer consider the Best Picture winners of the last twenty years and examine what made them so memorable.

American Beauty (1999)

Sam Mendes’ directorial debut, American Beauty, was a biting satire of suburban life in America. The film starred Kevin Spacey as Lester Burnham, a man going through a mid-life crisis who becomes infatuated with his daughter’s friend, played by Mena Suvari. The film was praised because of its bold themes and stunning performances, winning five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor.

Gladiator (2000)

Ridley Scott’s Gladiator was a sweeping epic that transported audiences to ancient Rome. The film starred Russell Crowe as Maximus, a former Roman general who seeks revenge contrary to the corrupt emperor who murdered his family. The film won five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Costume Design. Gladiator was praised for its stunning visuals and thrilling action sequences.

A LOVELY Mind (2001)

Ron Howard’s A Beautiful Mind was a biographical drama using the life of mathematician John Nash. The film starred Russell Crowe as Nash, who struggles with schizophrenia while trying to make a breakthrough in his field. To Watch Movies won four Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actress. A LOVELY Mind was praised because of its powerful performances and emotional depth.

Chicago (2002)

Rob Marshall’s Chicago was a musical adaptation of the Broadway play of the same name. The film starred Renee Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Richard Gere as a trio of performers in 1920s Chicago. The film won six Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Art Direction. Chicago was praised because of its catchy songs and dazzling dance numbers.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

Peter Jackson’s GOD, THE FATHER of the Rings: The Return of the King was the final installment in the epic fantasy trilogy predicated on J.R.R. Tolkien’s books. The film starred Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins, a hobbit tasked with destroying the One Ring and saving Middle-earth. The film won 11 Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King was praised for its stunning visuals and emotional payoff.

Million Dollar Baby (2004)

Clint Eastwood’s Million Dollar Baby was a sports drama in regards to a female boxer, played by Hilary Swank, and her relationship with her trainer, played by Eastwood. The film won four Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress. Million Dollar Baby was praised because of its powerful performances and poignant story.

Crash (2005)

Paul Haggis’ Crash was a drama that explored racial tensions in LA. The film starred an ensemble cast that included Don Cheadle, Matt Dillon, and Sandra Bullock. The film won three Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing. Crash was praised for its nuanced portrayal of race relations and its strong performances.