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Whether the Academy Awards areactuallythe world’s most prestigious award in cinema is up for debate.
But ask any filmmaker: Even just being nominated for an Oscar is an honor.
But how long does that honor really last?
Since 1929, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences have recognized achievements in the craft of moviemaking.
(Or, just as likely, discovered it in a late-night Wikipedia rabbit hole.)
Here are 32 movies that were nominated for Oscars that you’ve probably never heard of.
It lost to Ridley Scott’s Gladiator.
(The story is based on Ketti Frings' 1940 novel.)
(2011)
Madonna isn’t just a global pop music legend.
With 2011’s W.E., she is also a movie director.
Although critics gave W.E.
overwhelmingly negative reviews, it did receive one Oscar nomination for Best Costume Design.
At the 26th Oscars, The Robe was nominated for but did not win Best Picture.
But it still took home trophies for Best Production Design and Best Costume Design.
She soon becomes involved with an aging gangster (Lancaster).
Unfortunately, luck was not on Atlantic City’s side, as the movie ultimately did not win anything.
Murnau’s celebrated Gothic film classic Nosferatu.
In 2024, Dafoe starred in Robert Eggers' more faithful remake of Nosferatu.
Gosford Park (2001)
Fans of Downton Abbey may know about Gosford Park.
Gosford Park was a critical and commercial success, racking up numerous awards nominations.
Love Story (1970)
Love means never having to say you’re sorry.
Their lives are further complicated when Jenny is stricken with a terminal illness.
Dark Victory (1939)
Dark Victory sure had its work cut out for it.
Well, that’s technically the real world.
It was nominated for Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, and perhaps unsurprising, Best Special Effects.
Although it didn’t win any, being remade with Robin Williams is its own honor.
Which is why the movie feels forgotten despite its many Oscar nominations at the 2021 ceremony.
The movie was nominated for Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, Best Sound, and Best Production Design.
Amid the difficulties of confronting his family’s traumatic past, Tom strikes up a romance with Susan.
It was also nominated for numerous Oscars at the 64th Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
It lost to Silence of the Lambs.
(A big deal in 1979.)
Martin among its fans.
Amour earned critical acclaim from critics, winning the prestigious Palme d’Or at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival.
Geoffrey Rush won the Oscar for Best Actor, for his performance as David.
In his memory, Allan reminisces on his life, which happens to include critical moments in world history.
(A sly reference to Gilliam’s seminal medieval satire Monty Python and the Holy Grail?
Williams was nominated, but did not win, Best Actor.
Match Point (2005)
Before Challengers, there was Match Point.
It lost to the more polarizing movie Crash.
Witness was handsomely celebrated at the 58th Academy Awards.
