The Oscars have been around for nearly 100 years, celebrating the evolution of film from the late 1800s to today. As we entered the 21st century, we wondered how movies and the Oscars would change. The answer? Sometimes yes, sometimes no, and sometimes it’s just confusing.
We watched every Best Picture winner since 2000 and found some films have aged poorly, others still hold up, and some remind us that the Oscars can get it right. Here's the list of all best pictures since 2001.
Gladiator (2000)
The first Best Picture winner of the 21st century, Gladiator, brought back the sword-and-sandal epic, a genre thought to be long gone. Ridley Scott revived this classic style, and Russell Crowe, at the peak of his stardom, played Maximus Meridius, a Roman general betrayed by the ambitious Commodus (played by Joaquin Phoenix). Maximus is forced to fight as a gladiator, leading to intense battles with spears, chariots, and tigers.
While the action was thrilling, what stood out was how emotionally invested we became in Maximus' quest for revenge, thanks to Crowe’s powerful performance and Scott's mix of grand spectacle and personal drama. Voters likely appreciated the film's nostalgic feel, scale, and ambition, and it has aged surprisingly well.
A Beautiful mind (2001)
There are biopics that aim to hit you with heavy doses of tragedy and triumph, and then there’s Ron Howard’s film about John Nash, the Nobel Prize-winning mathematician who struggled with mental illness. This movie is not just about showing how genius and madness can overlap—it simplifies Nash’s complex life and character, turning him into a nearly perfect figure. It also features Russell Crowe, fresh off his Gladiator success, in a role that feels more designed to win him another Oscar than to portray a real person. While we don’t mind Jennifer Connelly winning Best Supporting Actress for her role, since she gives real support to the film, everything else about this movie still bothers us, even after all these years.
Chicago (2002)
Bob Fosse's bold Broadway hit about sex, violence, and jazz gets a flashy movie adaptation that mixes old-school showmanship with Hollywood-style musical numbers. The combination of big performances and over-the-top drama made it a hit with Oscar voters. Renée Zellweger steps into the role of Roxie Hart, a quiet murderer who turns into a star, a part once played by legends like Gwen Verdon and Liza Minnelli.
Catherine Zeta-Jones plays her rival-turned-partner, Velma Kelly, a role that earned her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. Directed by Rob Marshall, the film earned 13 nominations and won six, making it the first musical to win Best Picture since Oliver! in 1968.
While the movie may feel a bit all over the place at times (we're still unsure about Richard Gere’s portrayal of Billy Fish), the standout moments—like the unforgettable "Cell Block Tango" and John C. Reilly’s heartfelt "Mr. Cellophane"—still shine. And the movie’s satirical take on true crime and celebrity culture remains just as sharp.
Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
Peter Jackson’s final Lord of the Rings movie, The Return of the King, didn’t just win for itself—it was a reward for the entire trilogy. The Oscar was really for the groundbreaking achievement of the whole series, not just the third film. Still, the movie does a fantastic job of wrapping up the story, giving a powerful sense of closure as we say goodbye to the characters and watch the quest to destroy the infamous "One Ring" come to an end.
This movie showed that big, popular franchises could also be prestigious and well-respected, paving the way for future blockbusters. While Jackson couldn’t repeat this success with The Hobbit films, The Return of the King remains one of the most influential Best Picture winners of the 21st century.
Million Dollar Baby (2004)
Clint Eastwood’s Million Dollar Baby blends two classic movie themes—boxing and terminal illness—and makes it feel fresh. The story features Hilary Swank as a female boxer, giving her one of her best roles yet. The film has a nostalgic feel, reminiscent of old Hollywood films, especially since Eastwood himself worked in the studio system. While the second half of the movie, which shifts from sports to an euthanasia story, slows down a bit with sentimental moments, Eastwood, Swank, and Morgan Freeman do a great job of keeping the story moving and engaging.
Crash (2005)
It’s hard to believe that Paul Haggis’s Crash, a two-hour movie about racism, class divides, and how we’re all flawed people underneath, got six Academy Award nominations, let alone won Best Picture. The film tries to tackle big issues but ends up feeling preachy and awkward. From the moment Don Cheadle talks about people crashing into each other just to feel something, you know it’s going to be a tough watch.
The characters, played by an A-list cast, come across as stereotypes, and the film’s message about race and redemption feels heavy-handed and out of touch. What was supposed to capture the mood of post-9/11 America now feels outdated and cringeworthy, and we suspect it will still be remembered that way years from now.
The Departed (2006)
Martin Scorsese takes his signature style from Italian-American gangsters in New York to Irish-American mobsters in Boston in The Departed. This remake of the Hong Kong thriller Infernal Affairs tells the story of two moles—Leonardo DiCaprio as an undercover cop in Jack Nicholson’s mob, and Matt Damon as a mole in the police force. Some argue this film won an Oscar as a way to make up for past snubs, but it deserves the recognition on its own.
The movie has all the hallmarks of Scorsese’s work: fast-paced energy, betrayal, and strong performances, especially from DiCaprio and Damon. It also features standout supporting roles from Ray Winstone, Vera Farmiga, and Mark Wahlberg, along with a final performance from Jack Nicholson that’s one of his best. The ending is perfectly executed, making this Oscar win truly deserved.
No Country for Old Men (2007)
In Cormac McCarthy's "No Country for Old Men," a hunter named Llewelyn Moss discovers a large sum of cash at the site of a brutal drug deal gone wrong in the Texas desert; he takes the money, triggering a relentless pursuit by a chilling, amoral hitman named Anton Chigurh, who will stop at nothing to retrieve it; as the chase unfolds, aging Sheriff Ed Tom Bell struggles to understand the escalating violence and the seemingly unstoppable evil that has entered his world.
Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
Slumdog Millionaire tells the story of Jamal, a poor chai seller from India, who unexpectedly wins big on the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?. As he answers the questions, a police officer becomes suspicious of him, thinking he’s cheating. Jamal then shares his life story, filled with struggles like poverty, violence, crime, and love.
The film is fast-paced, full of excitement and twists, but some critics felt it focused too much on style rather than substance. Despite this, it became a huge hit and won eight Oscars, including Best Picture. Dev Patel’s performance stood out, showing his potential as a future movie star.
The Hurt Locker (2009)
The Hurt Locker is a gripping movie about a U.S. Army team in Iraq who defuse bombs. Unlike typical war movies, it focuses on the details of this dangerous job instead of taking sides on the war. The film follows a wild and brave staff sergeant, played by Jeremy Renner, as he faces life-threatening situations. The director, Kathryn Bigelow, builds tension throughout, making it an intense watch. The film won Best Picture and made history as the first movie directed by a woman to win that award. It's a powerful, high-stakes film that many feel deserved more recognition from the Academy.
The King's Speech (2010)
"The King's Speech" chronicles the struggle of Prince Albert, later King George VI, to overcome a severe stammer with the help of an unconventional Australian speech therapist, Lionel Logue, as he prepares to ascend the British throne following his brother's abdication. Knowing that the country needs her husband to be able to communicate effectively, Elizabeth (Helena Bonham Carter) hires Lionel (Geoffrey Rush), an Australian actor and speech therapist, to help him overcome his stammer; through a unique and often challenging therapy, the two form a deep friendship, culminating in the King's crucial wartime radio broadcasts where he must confront his speech impediment while leading the nation through World War II.
The Artist (2011)
The Artist is a black-and-white, silent movie that pays tribute to the early days of cinema. Directed by Michael Hazanavicius, it started as a fun experiment but surprisingly became a hit with both audiences and Oscar voters. The film features Jean Dujardin and Bérénice Bejo in lead roles, bringing back old-time comedy and dance routines. While it won several awards, including Best Picture, it’s a nostalgic film that many people quickly forget after watching. The movie’s charm is temporary, and it left a sweet, yet forgettable impression.
Argo (2012)
In 1980, during the Iran Hostage Crisis, CIA agent Tony Mendez had to rescue six Americans hiding in the Canadian embassy. His plan? Pretend they were a film crew scouting locations to get them out of Iran. This real-life story was perfect for Ben Affleck, who was making a name as a director. The film mixes political thriller with showbiz humor, but it doesn't quite work as well as expected. Despite great actors like John Goodman and Bryan Cranston, the movie feels too focused on Hollywood self-praise rather than the gripping story itself. Still, it was a hit with voters.
12 Years a Slave (2013)
Steve McQueen's film 12 Years a Slave, based on Solomon Northup’s memoir, brings the brutal reality of slavery to life in a way that makes it feel immediate and raw, not just a thing of the past. The film doesn't sugarcoat the suffering, showing the pain and terror of being enslaved in 19th century America.
While the "It's time" campaign may seem cheesy now, McQueen's direction and standout performances from Chiwetel Ejiofor, Lupita Nyong’o, and Michael Fassbender make it a powerful work of art. It would have been a masterpiece even without the Oscars, but it's great that the Academy recognized it as Best Picture.
Birdman (or the Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)
Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Birdman tackles many issues, including superhero films, media obsession with celebrities, and the struggles of being an artist. The film, which focuses on an actor in a personal crisis, criticizes blockbusters, Broadway, and social media, all while exploring ego and human flaws. While the film has some brilliant moments, especially with cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki’s technique of making the film feel like one continuous shot, it’s also a bit pretentious. The film’s mix of brilliance and pretentiousness reflects the internal battle of Michael Keaton’s character, who once played Batman, and his struggles with his past fame.
Spotlight (2015)
Tom McCarthy’s Spotlight tells the true story of the Boston Globe's investigation into the Catholic Church’s sexual abuse cover-ups. Initially called the "new All the President’s Men," this no-frills drama proves that comparison to be spot-on. The film focuses not only on the local scandal but also on the perseverance required to uncover such stories, despite obstacles like bureaucracy and reluctance from sources. The reporters, played by Mark Ruffalo, Rachel McAdams, and Brian d'Arcy James, work tirelessly, with Michael Keaton's editor pushing them forward. Spotlight is a powerful tribute to investigative journalism, and its impact only grows with time.
Moonlight (2016)
Forget the mix-up with the Best Picture announcement at the 89th Academy Awards—what truly matters are the powerful moments in Moonlight. Directed by Barry Jenkins, this film follows Chiron’s life from childhood to adulthood, exploring his struggles with identity and love. It’s filled with meaningful scenes, such as the kindness of Mahershala Ali’s character, who serves as both a father figure and is involved in crime, and the deep connection between teenage Chiron and his best friend. The stunning Florida landscapes and the raw emotion in every scene make this film unforgettable.
Moonlight isn’t just a personal story—it’s a transformative experience that shows the true power of cinema. It represents a breakthrough in recognizing films that don’t follow the usual Oscar-winning patterns, proving that more films like this deserve celebration. When Moonlight won Best Picture, it felt like anything was possible, and the title "Best Picture" had truly been earned.
However, it’s hard to forget that the 89th Academy Awards were also marked by the most awkward moment in Oscars history. Presenters Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway were handed the wrong envelope and mistakenly announced La La Land as the winner of Best Picture. The cast and crew of La La Land took the stage and began their speeches, only for the mistake to be corrected moments later.
The Shape of Water (2017)
Guillermo del Toro’s The Shape of Water gives you a unique love story you never knew you needed. The movie takes a wild idea—what if Creature From the Black Lagoon was actually a love story?—and makes it feel completely natural and sweet. It’s about Elisa (played by Sally Hawkins), a mute cleaning lady, who falls in love with an amphibian creature (played by Doug Jones).
The film mixes magic and dark themes while making a point about not judging others based on their differences. Set in 1962, it also serves as a reminder of how society was facing challenges with moving forward at the time. The film is full of references to old monster movies, musicals, spy thrillers, and Hitchcock films.
It’s not just about nostalgia, though—The Shape of Water focuses on how love can exist despite differences. With a great cast (including Richard Franklin, Octavia Spencer, Michael Shannon, and Michael Stuhlberg) and a mix of vintage and fairy-tale-like design, it won over even the Academy members.
Green Book (2018)
Another year, another Oscar win for a movie that simplifies and oversimplifies America’s ongoing race issues, solving them through the power of friendship. In 2018, Green Book, directed by Peter Farrelly, didn’t quite deserve this treatment, especially given how tough the year had been. The movie is based on a true story where Dr. Don Shirley (played by Mahershala Ali, who gives the movie its one good performance) hires Tony Lip (played by Viggo Mortensen) as his driver during a 1962 tour of the Deep South.
The two men, who are very different from each other, bond on the road, and Tony's racism is magically erased, as if by a simple friendship. The movie is criticized for offering a one-sided view, with the talented actors not being able to overcome weak storytelling. It also awkwardly handles Dr. Shirley’s life as a gay man, using it only when it’s convenient for the plot. And then there’s the infamous fried chicken scene, which leaves everyone speechless. By the end, you might feel like society has taken a huge step backward instead of forward.
Parasite (2019)
Parasite landmark of South Korean cinema had nabbed the Best International Feature and Best Director awards too.
"Parasite" follows the impoverished Kim family, living in a cramped basement apartment, who scheme to infiltrate the wealthy Park household by fabricating qualifications to gain employment, one by one, as a tutor, art teacher, and driver, highlighting the stark class divide and the lengths people will go to improve their lives, ultimately leading to a chaotic and violent unraveling as the two families become increasingly entangled.
Nomadland (2020)
The open road is a classic theme in American movies, but Chloe Zhao’s Nomadland focuses on the endless journey rather than the destination. The film follows Fern (Frances McDormand), a woman who lives in a van and chooses a life of constant travel after everything in her life fell apart. The film highlights her freedom and the real-life “nomads” she meets along the way.
Zhao’s movie doesn’t judge these people and lets them tell their stories, while McDormand’s powerful performance carries the film. The stunning landscapes are a big part of the story too. Watching the movie during a time of Covid and lockdowns made it feel even more relevant, but overall, it's a beautiful tribute to those who choose a life without roots.
CODA (2021)
The Academy often loves an underdog story, and CODA fits that mold. The film tells the story of a young woman (Emilia Jones) from a family of fishermen who is also the child of deaf adults. She dreams of becoming a singer. The movie became a hit at Sundance and was bought by Apple for $25 million. Despite a weak marketing campaign, word of mouth and its positive vibes helped it win Best Picture. It was also important for representing deaf characters and actors. However, some find its success a bit too predictable and overly emotional, almost trying too hard to tug at your heartstrings. Many still wonder why it’s considered the “best” film.
Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
It's surprising that Everything Everywhere All at Once, a wild and unpredictable movie from the Daniels, won the Oscar for Best Picture. The story follows Evelyn Wang (Michelle Yeoh), a laundry-owner and mother who must save the multiverse from collapsing. While the film is deserving of its awards, it's shocking because the Oscars usually favor safer, more traditional films.
This movie blends absurd comedy, superhero action, martial arts, and deep personal drama in a way that was fresh and exciting. It became a huge cultural hit, and its win marks a shift in recognizing more unconventional films. Plus, it helped launch Ke Huy Quan’s comeback in acting.
Oppenheimer (2023)
Christopher Nolan took a big risk with his three-hour film about J. Robert Oppenheimer, the scientist who helped create the atomic bomb and later faced trouble from the U.S. government. Instead of making the film more conventional, Nolan stuck to his vision: using two different timelines, shooting part of it in black and white, and casting Cillian Murphy, an actor mostly known for Peaky Blinders, in the lead role.
This gamble paid off. Nolan’s film is a deep, character-focused epic, much like older Oscar-winning movies. It feels like a Best Picture winner that could have been made decades ago.
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