The History of The Oscars: A Storied Institution with Fascinating Moments and Feats
The Academy Awards, popularly known as The Oscars, have a rich history that dates back to 1929. Since its inception, the institution has witnessed numerous astonishing moments, nominations, and wins. From Parasite’s historic 2020 win to the infamous Will Smith slap at the 2022 Oscars, the Academy Awards have continued to captivate audiences with its pomp and circumstance.
One notable film in the history of The Oscars is The Ox-Bow Incident, starring Henry Fonda, which made history with its unique Best Picture nomination in 1944. This achievement has yet to be replicated to date. Fonda, an American actor born in 1905, began his career on Broadway before transitioning to Hollywood, earning him recognition for his complex characters in films like 12 Angry Men and My Darling Clementine. He holds the title of the oldest winner of the Best Actor award for his last theatrically released film, On Golden Ponds, with two Academy Award nominations throughout his career.
The Ox-Bow Incident, a Western film from 1943, is the only movie to be nominated for Best Picture alone. Despite being a critically acclaimed film, it did not receive any other nominations, making it a singular achievement. In contrast, the film that won Best Picture that year, Casablanca, had seven additional nominations and won three awards total.
The 1944 Best Picture nomination remains a unique accomplishment, with no film since then receiving the same distinction. The rarity of this feat can be attributed to the multiple categories that surround Best Picture, which typically incorporate excellence in other areas, such as screenwriting and acting. The 2025 Academy Awards, with ten Best Picture nominees, served as a reminder of the unlikeliness of this achievement being replicated. It may take some time before another film achieves what The Ox-Bow Incident did.