Hello, fellow entertainment enthusiasts! Welcome to my blog post, where we’ll be discussing some of the biggest upsets in award show history. From jaw-dropping wins to heart-wrenching losses, the world of award shows is never without its surprises. So, buckle up and enjoy the ride as we take a stroll down memory lane and relive some of the most shocking moments in entertainment history.

When Titanic Sank Saving Private Ryan

Who could’ve predicted that Steven Spielberg’s war epic Saving Private Ryan would lose the Best Picture Oscar to James Cameron’s Titanic in 1998? Many considered Saving Private Ryan to be a masterpiece of filmmaking, with its realistic portrayal of the D-Day invasion and heartbreaking storyline. However, Titanic became a cultural phenomenon, breaking box office records and capturing the hearts of millions.

But let’s not forget that the competition that year was stiff, with other nominees including As Good as It Gets and The Full Monty. Even so, the shock of Titanic’s win over Saving Private Ryan reverberated around the world. In fact, many still argue today that Saving Private Ryan deserved the win. What do you think?

A split-screen image of the posters for Titanic and Saving Private Ryan

Crash Steals the Spotlight from Brokeback Mountain

In 2006, two incredible films were vying for the Best Picture Oscar: Ang Lee’s Brokeback Mountain and Paul Haggis’ Crash. Brokeback Mountain was hailed as a groundbreaking love story, featuring two male cowboys struggling with their sexuality in a conservative 1960s setting. Many expected the film to take home the top prize, especially given its critical acclaim.

However, as the night went on, it became clear that Crash was a real contender. And sure enough, when the winner for Best Picture was announced, it was Crash that took home the trophy. Many were shocked and disappointed by the upset, feeling that the Academy had missed an opportunity to honor a film that was pushing boundaries and breaking new ground.

A split-screen image of the posters for Brokeback Mountain and Crash

Marisa Tomei’s Surprising Win

In 1993, Marisa Tomei was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in My Cousin Vinny. However, many industry insiders and pundits believed that Tomei, a relative newcomer, had no chance of winning against a field of more established actresses.

Well, surprise, surprise – not only did Tomei win, but she did so in an upset over the likes of Judy Davis, Joan Plowright, Vanessa Redgrave, and Miranda Richardson. Some in the audience were even audibly shocked by the announcement, leading to rumors that the presenter had read the wrong name.

Despite the controversy, Tomei went on to have a successful career in Hollywood, appearing in such films as The Wrestler and Crazy, Stupid, Love.

A photo of Marisa Tomei with her Oscar for Best Supporting Actress

Moonlight Becomes the Little Film That Could

In 2017, the drama Moonlight surprised many by taking home the Best Picture Oscar over the heavily-favored La La Land. The mistake made during the announcement – when La La Land was initially announced as the winner – only added to the drama and excitement.

Moonlight, a coming-of-age story about a young black man growing up in Miami, was a critical darling, but few expected it to win against such stiff competition. In fact, when the Best Picture award was announced, many thought it was a joke or prank. But when it became clear that Moonlight had indeed won, the audience erupted in cheers and applause.

The win was a huge moment for diversity in Hollywood, and for independent cinema in general. It showed that even small films can make a big impact, and that anything is possible on Oscar night.

A photo of the poster for Moonlight, with the Oscar sitting on top

And the Losers Are…

When it comes to upsets in award show history, there are always going to be some losers. Sometimes, the losers are just as memorable as the winners, and their shock and disappointment can be heartbreaking to watch.

Who can forget the look of disbelief on Leonardo DiCaprio’s face when he lost the Best Actor Oscar for The Aviator to Jamie Foxx for Ray? Or the tears in Viola Davis’ eyes when she lost the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for Doubt to Penelope Cruz for Vicky Cristina Barcelona?

But perhaps the most shocking upset of all time was when Adele’s “Hello” lost the Best Song Golden Globe to Sam Smith’s “Writing’s on the Wall” from Spectre. Okay, maybe that’s just my personal opinion – but I really thought Adele had that one in the bag.

Regardless of who wins or loses, award shows will always be filled with surprises and upsets. And let’s be honest – that’s what makes them so much fun to watch.

A photo of a red carpet with a question mark overlay, representing the unpredictability of award shows

Thanks for reading, folks! I hope this trip down memory lane has been as enjoyable for you as it has been for me. What are some of your favorite upsets in award show history? Let me know in the comments below.

A photo of a golden statue, representing the magic of movie awards