Today, Explained Top Fun: Oscars vs. blockbusters
Mar 12, 2023
Joe Reid, co-host of the This Had Oscar Buzz podcast and a Vulture contributor, dives into the intriguing tension between blockbuster successes like Top Gun: Maverick and their Oscar recognition. He explores the paradox of audience favorites often being sidelined during awards season. Reid highlights the shifting landscape of cinema, where superhero films dominate the box office yet struggle for artistic accolades. With humor and insights, he reevaluates the relevance of the Oscars and reflects on iconic snubs that changed the industry.
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Kramer vs Kramer's Box Office Success
- In 1979, Kramer vs Kramer, a movie about divorce and single parenthood, won Best Picture.
- It was also the highest-grossing film that year, demonstrating how Oscar tastes and popular appeal once aligned.
Rain Man's Double Win
- Rain Man (1988), starring Dustin Hoffman, won Best Picture and was the top box office hit.
- This further exemplifies the historical overlap between Oscar winners and popular films.
The Five Blockbuster Best Picture Winners
- Only five films since 1977 have won Best Picture while also topping the box office.
- This highlights the growing disconnect between critical acclaim and commercial success.