DVD Corner

10 Underrated Best Picture Nominees

With the Oscars airing tomorrow, the film world is focused on Hollywood’s Big Night. As such, I felt the need to do an Oscars centric list today. Everyone always talks about the Best Picture winners and deservedly so, but oftentimes the best films each year aren’t the ones that win the big award. In each year there are nominated films that become overlooked with time. Below I have singled out 10 such underrated films. 

1. Lion- A deeply emotional true story based drama featuring Dev Patel at his very best.

2. Hugo- Martin Scorsese has had many films nominated for Best Picture over the years, but this 2011 adventure film doesn’t get nearly enough love for some reason. It’s a real departure for the filmmaker and it’s a wonderful movie about movies.

3. Letters From Iwo Jima- As a director Clint Eastwood has had a diverse filmography and this war film that shows the Japanese perspective of the Battle Of Iwo Jima is among his finest.

4. Bugsy- Barry Levinson’s bio drama about gangster Bugsy Siegel doesn’t get nearly enough attention.

5. Tender Mercies- More proof that Robert Duvall is one of the great actors.

6. Seven Brides For Seven Brothers- The story may be problematic, but this musical features plenty of classic tunes and one of the greatest sequences in musical film history (the barn raising bit).

7. Gaslight- This thriller is just as impactful now as it was in 1944.

8. I Am A Fugitive From A Chain Gang- A gut punch of a crime-drama that was ahead of its time.

9. Dodsworth- Director William Wyler’s mature relationship drama should have won Best Picture in 1936.

10. Hold Back The Dawn- A romantic drama involving immigration that remains relevant after all these years. 

March 9, 2024 - Posted by nicklyons1 | List | 10 Underrated Best Picture Nominees, Dodsworth, Gaslight, Hold Back The Dawn, Hugo, I Am A Fugitive From A Chain Gang, Letters From Iwo Jima, Lion, Oscars, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers, Tender Mercies