Complete list of all Best Picture Oscar winners over the years

Oscars is one of the most prestigious awards that every artist wants to have their hand on as it is considered to be an epitome of success for them. Each year the filmmakers, actors, producers, and other members who have worked very hard on their projects, await the day when they would be handed the golden award of their lifetime.

The awards are given in a variety of categories which include Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and many more. The Oscar award is also widely recognized as the Academy Award.

What is Oscar?

The Oscars which as mentioned is better known as the Academy Awards are awarded for artistic and technical merit for the American Film industry. The first Academy award show was held in 1929 at a private dinner hosted by Douglas Fairbanks in the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. A total of 3,140 Oscar statuettes have been awarded since its inception in 1929.

Oscars or the Academy Awards are considered to be the highest accolades when it comes to any awards. Artists around the world are eager to win the golden statuette. The winner of the award is evaluated by the Academy's voting membership.

When are the 2023 Oscars?

Coming down to the main question, the 95th Oscars ceremony will be held on March 12, 2023. The ceremony will begin at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. Talking about where you can watch the Oscars, you can watch the episode live on the ABC channel or stream it on ABC.com and the ABC app. To stream it on ABC, the basic requirement is to have a cable subscription.

Best Picture Winners over the years

The list of all the movies that have bagged the prestigious Oscars Awards for the category of Best Picture Winners are as follows:

CODA (2021)

Directed by Sian Heder, CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) revolves around the life of Ruby who is the only hearing person in her dead family. Ruby falls into a huge dilemma after she is left to choose between her family and following her dream by going to the esteemed Berkley College of Music after her family's fishing business hits a hurdle.

Nomadland (2020)

Starring Frances McDormand, Nomadland is based on an elderly woman who embarks on a journey as a van-dwelling modern-day nomad through the American West after she loses everything due to the great recession.

Parasite (2019)

The masterpiece is directed by Bong Joon Ho and stars Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-Kyun, Cho Yeo-Jeong, and Choi Woo-Sik. The movie describes greed and class discrimination through a newly formed symbiotic relationship between two polar opposite families.

Green Book (2018)

The movie revolves around the life of a working-class Italian-American bouncer who becomes the driver for an African-American pianist on tour through the 1960s. The film was directed by Peter Farrelly.

The Shape of Water (2017)

The Guillermo del Toro directorial explores the relationship between a lonely janitor and an amphibious creature who has been held in captivity by the top secret research facility in the 1960s. The film stars Sally Hawkins and Octavia Spencer.

Moonlight (2016)

The movie is the story of a young African-American man who continues to struggle with his identity and sexuality while dealing with life's stresses of childhood, adolescence, and emerging adulthood. The movie was directed by Barry Jenkins.

Spotlight (2015)

Directed by Tom McCarthy, Spotlight is the true story of how the Boston Globe uncovered the massive scandal of child molestation and the cover-up that shakes the entire Catholic Church to its core.

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance (2014)

Starring Michael Keaton and others, Birdman is a story of a washed-up superhero actor who tries to resurrect his career by writing, directing, and starring in a Broadway production.

12 Years a Slave (2013)

Steve McQueen's directorial is about a man named Solomon Northup, a free black man from upstate New York who is abducted and sold into slavery. The film stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Kenneth Williams, Michael Fassbender, and Brad Pitt.

Argo (2012)

Argo is about a CIA agent who launches a dangerous operation to rescue six Americans in Tehran during the U.S. hostage crisis in Iran in 1979. The movie is directed by Ben Affleck and starred him too.

The Artist (2011)

Directed by Michel Hazanavicius, The Artist is set against the backdrop of Hollywood's silent era, and an egotistical movie star begins to develop a relationship with a young dancer.

The King's Speech (2010)

The King's Speech is the story of King George VI. The movie was directed by Tom Hopper and stars Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, and Derek Jacobi.

The Hurt Locker (2009)

The Jeremy Renner starrer is set during the Iraq War. Renner plays the role of a sergeant who is assigned to an army bomb squad and is at odds with his squad mates due to his way of work.

Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

The Danny Boyle and Loveleen Tandan directors told the story of a Mumbai teenager who reflects on their life after being accused of cheating in a reputed reality TV game show. The movie starred Dev Patel and Frieda Pinto.

No Country for Old Men (2007)

Tom Lee Jones starrer began on a note after a hunter discovers a botched drug deal and more than $2 million in cash near the Rio Grande, violence and mayhem ensue. The movie was directed by Ethan Coen and Joel Coen.

The Departed (2006)

The Departed is based on an undercover cop and a mole in the police who try to identify each other. The movie was directed by Martin Scores and it stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, and Mark Wahlberg.

Crash (2005)

Directed by Paul Haggis, the film is based on Los Angeles citizens with significantly different lives colliding in interconnected narratives of race, loss, and atonement.

Million Dollar Baby (2004)

Million Dollar Baby is about a woman who works with a hardened boxing trainer to become a professional. It starred Hilary Swank.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

One of the most successful installments in the Lord of the Rings franchise, the movie was directed by Peter Jackson and starred Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortensen, Ian McKellen, and Orlando Bloom.

Chicago (2002)

Chicago is about two murderers who develop a fierce rivalry while competing for publicity. It starred Renée Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Richard Gere, Taye Diggs.

A Beautiful Mind (2001)

A Beautiful Mind is the story of a brilliant but asocial mathematician whose life turns upside down after he accepts secret work k. cryptography. The movie is directed by Ron Howard.

Gladiator (2000)

The Ridley Scott work of art is based on a former Roman general who sets out to exact vengeance against a corrupt emperor who murdered his family and sent him to slavery. Russell Crowe did an amazing job as the lead in the film.

American Beauty (1999)

American Beauty revolves around the dilemma of a sexually frustrated father who falls in love with his daughter's own best friend. The movie was directed by Sam Mendes and started with Kevin Spacey, Annette Bening, and others.

Shakespeare in Love (1998)

The movie is about William Shakespeare, the world's greatest playwright, who is young, out of ideas, and out of money when he meets his ideal woman and is inspired to write one of his most famous plays.

Titanic (1997)

James Cameron's Titanic needs not much introduction, the love story between Rose and Jack and their fate doomed left many as an emotional wreck. The movie gave Leonardo DiCaprio a golden ticket to success.

The English Patient (1996)

Ralph Fiennes and Juliette Binoche starrer were based on a love brewing between a young nurse and a World War II plane crash victim. The movie was directed by Anthony Minghella.

Braveheart (1995)

The Mel Gibson directorial is about a Scottish warrior William Wallace leads his countrymen in a rebellion against King Edward I of England's tyranny.

Forrest Gump (1994)

The classic starring Tom Hanks was based on a man with an IQ of 75, who navigates and goes through ups and downs in his life just to be reunited with his childhood sweetheart. The movie was directed by Robert Zemeckis and received many accolades.

Schindler's List (1993)

One of Steven Spielberg's magic was set during World War II, in German-occupied Poland, and is about a business tycoon Oskar Schindler progressively becoming worried for his Jewish workers after observing Nazi persecution.

Unforgiven (1992)

Unforgiven is about a retired old West gunslinger William Munny who takes his last job with the help of his old partner. The movie was directed by Clint Eastwood and starred Clint Eastwood.

The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

The psychological horror film revolves around a young FBI cadet who is forced to seek out help from a manipulative cannibal killer to catch a serial killer who skins his victim. The movie starred Jodie Foster, Anthony Hopkins, Lawrence A. Bonney, Kasi Lemmons, and many more.

Dances with Wolves (1990)

Another movie based during the Civil War. The film is about Lieutenant John Dunbar, who is assigned to a remote western Civil War outpost, and befriends wolves and Native Americans, making him an intolerable military outlier. It is directed by Kevin Costner.

Driving Miss Daisy (1989)

Driving Miss Daisy is about an old Jewish woman and her African-American chauffeur in their relationship that grows and improves over the years. The movie stars Morgan Freeman, Jessica Tandy, Dan Aykroyd, and Patti LuPone.

Rain Man (1988)

Directed by Barry Levison, Rain Man is about a selfish man who learns that his estranged father left a fortune to an autistic savant brother that he didn't know existed. He takes his brother and sets out to gain the inheritance.

The Last Emperor (1987)

The film was the dramatization of China's last emperor, Puyi, and was directed by Bernardo Bertolucci.

Platoon (1986)

Platoon was directed by Oliver Stone and was based on a character named Chris Taylor who was caught in a battle of wills between two sergeants. The film starred Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, and William Dafoe.

Out of Africa (1985)

The Sydney Pollack romantic drama revolves around a Danish plantation owner who falls in love with a free-spirited big-game hunter.

Amadeus (1984)

The movie is a biographical drama based on the life, success, and troubles of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The film was directed by Milos Forman.

Terms of Endearment (1983)

Directed by James L. Brooks, the 1983 film was about hard-to-please Aurora looking for love and her daughter's family problems. The movie starred Shirley MacLaine, Debra Winger, Jack Nicholson, and Danny DeVito.

Gandhi (1982)

Gandhi was a biopic of India's greatest freedom fighter, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. The movie was directed by Richard Attenborough. Ben Kingsley played the role of Gandhi in the film.

Chariots of Fire (1981)

Directed by Hugh Hudson, Chariots of Fire was based on two British track athletes who wrestle with the issue of pride and conscience.

Ordinary People (1980)

Ordinary People's film starts with the unintentional death of an affluent family's older son strains the relationships of the bitter mother, the good-natured father, and the guilt-ridden younger son. The movie starred Donald Sutherland.

Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)

This movie is about two ex-married couples who have a heated custody battle over their young son. The movie was directed by Robert Benton.

The Deer Hunter (1978)

Directed by Michael Cimino the movie stars Robert De Niro, Christopher Walken, John Cazale, and John Savage. The movie revolves around the Vietnam War that impacts and disrupts the lives of several friends in a small steel mill town.

Annie Hall (1977)

The Woody Allen directorial is about a divorced Jewish comedian who reflects on his relationship with ex-lover Annie Hall, an aspiring nightclub singer. The movie stars Woody Allen and Diane Keaton.

Rocky (1976)

The Sylvester Stallone classic is one of the most memorable films which revolves around the life of small-time Philadelphia boxer Rocky Balboa who wants to make it big in his life.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)

Starring Jack Nicholson, Louise Fletcher, Michael Berryman, and Peter Brocco, the film is set in the fall of 1963 and is based on a Korean War veteran and convicted criminal who pleads insanity and is committed to a mental institution, where he rallies the terrified patients against the tyrannical nurse.

The Godfather Part II (1974)

Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, and starring Al Pacino and Robert De Niro in the lead Role, The Godfather Part II is based on the story of Michael, Vito Corleone's son, who looks to extend his family's criminal empire.

The Sting (1973)

Directed by George Roy Hill, The Sting is a movie based on the story of Swindler Johnny Hooker who is seeking revenge on Doyle Lonnegan, after his henchman killed the leader's partner.

The Godfather (1972)

Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, The GodFather is a story about a mafia Don Vito Corleone who decides to hand over his criminal empire to his son Michael. Due to this decision, his family ends up in grave danger.

The French Connection (1971)

The French Connection is directed by William Friedkin and displays the story of New York City cop Doyle and his partner who have a mission of busting a drug cartel based out of France.

Patton (1970)

Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, Patton is an action-driven movie where George Patton takes command of the II Corps in North Africa after the US's defeat in 1943 at the Battle of Kasserine Pass. The movie shows how he excels on the battlefield.

Midnight Cowboy (1969)

This drama was directed by John Schlesinger and shows Joe along with his buddy Ratso Rizzo struggling to survive on the streets of New York City. The story depicts the slow transformation from business partner to close friend.

Oliver! (1968)

Directed by Carol Reed, Oliver is a movie about a boy, going by the titular name, leaving his orphanage, and meeting up with a group of urchins trained to be purse-snatchers by a criminal. Oliver finds himself in trouble as the criminal plots to kidnap him after Mr. Brownlow offers to shelter him.

In the Heat of the Night (1967)

The movie directed by Norman Jewison, shows an African-American detective Virgil Tibbs investigating the murder of a businessman in Mississippi while she faces challenges happening across the states.

A Man for All Seasons (1966)

Directed by Fred Zinnemann the movie shows the story of Thomas More, who supported King Henry VIII when the latter rejected the Roman catholic church.

The Sound of Music (1965)

The Sound of Music is directed by Robert Wise and is a story based on an aspiring nun Maria is sent to take care of seven motherless children. Slowly with her technique, she wins the hearts of the children.

My Fair Lady (1964)

This love story was directed by George Cukor and shows the romance between Henry Higgins (Rex Harrison) and Eliza Doolittle (Audrey Hepburn), who start as rivals and fall for each other.

Tom Jones (1963)

Directed by Tony Richardson, the movie shows the amazing adventures of Tom Jones (Albert Finney), who gets kicked out by Squire Allworthy (George Devine), after being manipulated by Blifil (David Warner).

Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

David Lean, the director of the movie, shows Lawrence, a lieutenant in the British Army, sent to assess Faisal by his Colonel Brighton. In his journey, Lawrence gets impressed by Faisal and gets his help in attacking his enemy.

West Side Story (1961)

The movie directed by Jerome Robbins, and Robert Wise sees the main characters Maria and Tony entangled in the bitter battle between their gangster families. Knowing that things may not end well if the fight continues, Maria sends her lover Tony to stop the fight.

The Apartment (1960)

This love story by Billy Wilder, shows C. C. Baxter, a clerk lending out his apartment to the executives for their extramarital affairs. However, things change when he falls in love. Jack Lemmon is seen playing the lead.

Ben-Hur (1959)

This classic drama directed by William Wyler shows a nobleman, Judah Ben-Hur who was sentenced to years after being treason by his adopted brother, Messala. Later he seeks revenge in a form of competition with his brother. The movie shows Stephen Boyd and Charlton Heston in the lead role.

Gigi (1958)

The story directed by Vincente Minnelli shows a romance between a rich playboy and a youthful courtesan-in-training who enjoy a platonic friendship but this friendship may not continue for long.

The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)

Directed by David Lean, the movie is based on the times of World War 2 when Colonel Nicholson reluctantly agrees to camp commander Saito's suggestion of using the war's POWs to build a railway bridge. But this project later turns into an obsession for him.

Around the World in 80 Days (1956)

The movie directed by Michael Anderson shows Phileas Fogg vowing to the members of the Reform Club that he'll travel the world in 80 days. The movie shows David Niven in the lead role.

Marty (1955)

Directed by Delbert Mann, the story is based on the life of Marty Piletti (Ernest Borgnine), a stout bachelor butcher who lives with his mother (Esther Minciotti) in the Bronx. Things turn sideways for Marty after falling in love with Clara (Betsy Blair) and now has to decide between his family's approval or a shot at finding romance.

On the Waterfront (1954)

Directed by Elia Kazan, the movie shows the story of Terry Mallory who turns on his master Johnny Friendly after meeting one of the latter's victim's sisters and falls in love with her. The movie shows Marlon Brando, Karl Malden, and Eva Marie Saint in the lead role.

From Here to Eternity (1953)

The movie directed by Fred Zinnemann shows the lives of soldiers stationed at the Schofield Barracks on the island of Oahu, Hawaii when the Japanese attacked pearl harbor. Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift, and Fred Zinnemann are seen among others in the movie.

The Greatest Show on Earth (1952)

This is a romance drama directed by Cecil B. DeMille and shows the passionate scenes of love and jealousy behind the extravagant three-ring circus of the greatest show on Earth. The movie stars Betty Hutton, Cornel Wilde, and James Stewart among others.

An American in Paris (1951)

This love triangle story, directed by Vincente Minnelli displays the story of a struggling American artist who is found by an influential heiress in Paris, who is interested in more than his art.

All About Eve (1950)

Directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, the story is based on a renowned actress Margo Channing played by Bette Davis, who is unaware that her newly appointed assistant Eve Harrington played by Anne Baxter is planning to take over her position.

All the King's Men (1949)

This 1949 American drama was written, produced, and directed by Robert Rossen and is based on the novel which goes by the same name. The film features actors like Broderick Crawford, John Ireland, Mercedes McCambridge, and Joanne Dru.

Hamlet (1948)

Directed by Laurence Olivier, the movie shows a guy named Hamlet who vows to murder the killer of his father, Claudius, and ends up losing his loved ones in the process.

Gentleman's Agreement (1947)

Directed by Elia Kazan, the movie shows a journalist who pretends to be Jewish to cover a story on anti-Semitism. The movie shows Gregory Peck and Dorothy McGuire in the lead.

The Best Years of Our Lives (1945)

Directed by William Wyler, the movie shows Myrna Loy, Dana Andrews, Fredric March, and others in a story where 3 veterans of World War 2 return to their homes realizing that their family has been irreparably changed.

The Lost Weekend (1945)

This movie, directed by Billy Wilder, shows Don Birnam (Ray Milland) journey after he messes up and realizes that he has a drinking problem.

Going My Way (1944)

Directed by Leo McCarey the movie shows the journey of Father Charles O'Malley (Bing Crosby) in midtown Manhattan while sorting things out with his old flame.

Casablanca (1943)

This love story directed by Michael Curtiz shows Rick Blaine played by Humphrey Bogart helping out his former lover Ilsa and her husband During World War 2. During this time Ilsa falls in love with Rick.

Mrs. Miniver (1942)

This is a family drama directed by William Wyler and shows the struggles of a mother who works hard to keep her family together during the time of war.

How Green Was My Valley (1941)

Directed by John Ford, the movie is a family drama where the Morgan family who have raised their sons to be coal miners, wish to see the youngest have a better life. The movie sees Maureen O'Hara and Roddy McDowall in crucial roles.

Rebecca (1940)

The story, directed by Alfred Hitchcock, shows a mystery romance between a naive woman who marries a widower, Maxim, and later finds out that had killed his wife.

Gone with the Wind (1939)

Directed by Victor Fleming the movie is set in the time of the Civil War and Reconstruction and shows a romance story between a manipulative woman and a roguish man.

You Can't Take It with You (1938)

Directed by Frank Capra, the movie shows the romantic story of a girl from a family of freethinkers and a boy from a conservative banker family. James Stewart and Jean Arthur are seen in the movie.

The Life of Emile Zola (1937)

This biopic directed by William Dieterle is about a famous French writer and his work in fighting the injustice of the Dreyfus Affair. The movie has Paul Muni, Joseph Schildkraut, and Gloria Holden as the lead characters

The Great Ziegfeld (1936)

The Great Ziegfeld directed by Robert Z. Leonard shows the story of America's greatest showman, Florenz Ziegfeld, and his musical Follies. The lead in the movie is William Powell.

Mutiny on the Bounty (1935)

Directed by Frank Lloyd, the movie is based on a fight between the crew members and the ruthless captain of the ship.

It Happened One Night (1934)

It Happened One Night is directed by Frank Capra. The story shows a renegade reporter trailing a young runaway heiress for an amazing story but ends up getting stuck with her at one of the stops when the bus leaves them behind.

Cavalcade (1933)

Directed by Frank Lloyd, the movie is a World War 1 classic romance that shows Robert and Jane Marryot (played by Clive Brook, and Diana Wynyard) going through various ups and downs in their lives.

Grand Hotel (1932)

Directed by Edmund Goulding, Grand Hotel is a Romance Drama, which stars John Barrymore, Greta Garbo, Lionel Barrymore, and Wallace Beery as the lead roles.

Cimarron (1931)

Directed by Wesley Ruggles the movie shows the journey of Sabra Cravat played by Irene Dunne, who is left by her husband on the Oklahoma territory to survive alone.

All Quiet on the Western Front (1929/30)

Directed by Lewis Milestone, All Quiet on the Western Front shows the journey of a naive soldier who has profound disillusionment after his venture into World War 1.

The Broadway Melody (1928/29)

Directed by Harry Beaumont, The Broadway Melody is a musical which shows a love triangle between Harriet, Queenie, and Eddie

Sunrise (1927/28) (Outstanding Picture)

This silent classic is directed by F. W. Murnau and shows a story of the romance between Janet Gaynor and George O'Brien.

Wings (1927/28) (Unique and Artistic Picture)

Directed by William A. Wellman, and Harry d'Abbadie d'Arrast, the movie shows the story of two pilots named David Armstrong and Jack Powell who were stationed in France during World War 1. The movie shows a tough fight that ends one of the pilots' lives in sacrifice.