From Titanic to Oppenheimer, here’s a list of the most Oscar-nominated movies.
Oppenheimer’s impressive showing at the 2024 Oscars, with seven wins out of thirteen nominations, naturally reignited curiosity about other cinematic masterpieces that have made history. Which Oscar-nominated movies have captivated audiences and critics alike with their exceptional storytelling and technical brilliance, garnering an extraordinary number of Academy Award nominations?
The Oscars symbolise the pinnacle of excellence in filmmaking. Every Oscar nomination is a badge of honour, recognising a film’s artistry, innovation and lasting impact. Yet, some movies earn an even more distinguished place in Oscars history by receiving an abundance of nominations. These films represent the absolute best of the best.
Let’s delve into the top 10 highest Oscar-nominated movies of all time. From sweeping historical epics to dazzling musicals, these films have transcended expectations and left an enduring mark on the world of cinema. Whether you are an Academy Awards enthusiast or simply cherish exceptional storytelling, this list is sure to offer an inspiring journey through cinematic excellence.
These Oscar-nominated movies serve as a testament to the power of film to move, entertain and challenge us. They showcase the extraordinary talent and dedication of filmmakers who push the boundaries of creativity. The list comprises iconic films that have shaped our cultural landscape, offering profound insights into the human experience while leaving audiences in awe.
The list is ordered from least successful to most.
Most Oscar-nominated movies of all time
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008): 13 nominations
This whimsical tale follows a man who ages in reverse, experiencing life from an extraordinary perspective. It garnered 13 nominations and took home three awards: Best Art Direction, Best Makeup and Best Visual Effects.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
The first instalment in Peter Jackson’s epic fantasy trilogy follows hobbit Frodo Baggins on a quest to destroy the One Ring and defeat the evil Sauron. It received 13 nominations, demonstrating its technical and artistic achievement, and won in four categories: Best Cinematography, Best Makeup, Best Original Score and Best Visual Effects.
The Shape of Water (2017): 13 nominations
Guillermo del Toro’s fantasy romance film is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant story about a mute woman who falls in love with a captured amphibian creature. The Shape of Water surprised audiences and critics alike with its originality and beauty. It earned 13 nominations and won four awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for del Toro.
Mary Poppins (1964): 13 nominations
Beloved for generations, this musical tells the story of a magical nanny who brings joy into the lives of a dysfunctional family. Its charm paid off with 13 nominations and five wins, including Best Actress (Julie Andrews) and Best Original Score.
Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966): 13 nominations
An intense and often brutal drama exploring the bitter complexities of a long-term marriage. Its raw performances and unflinching dialogue led to 13 nominations and five wins, including Best Actress (Elizabeth Taylor) and Best Supporting Actress (Sandy Dennis).
Forrest Gump (1994): 13 nominations
Robert Zemeckis’ heartwarming comedy-drama tells the story of a simple man with a low IQ whose life intersects with some of the most important events of the 20th century. Forrest Gump is a feel-good film that resonated with audiences and critics alike. It earned 13 nominations and won six awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Tom Hanks.
Chicago (2002): 13 nominations
This dazzling musical set in the world of crime and celebrity follows two ambitious women seeking fame. Its bold style impressed, scoring 13 nominations and six wins, including Best Picture and Best Supporting Actress (Catherine Zeta-Jones).
Oppenheimer (2023): 13 nominations
Christopher Nolan’s biographical exploration of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist responsible for the atomic bomb. The film delves into his life and the ethical dilemmas surrounding his creation. It received 13 nominations and won in seven categories, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor for Cillian Murphy. Additionally, Robert Downey Jr won in the Best Supporting Actor category, his maiden Oscar.
Shakespeare in Love (1998): 13 nominations
This fictionalised romantic comedy offers a whimsical take on a young William Shakespeare’s creative process and love life. It received 13 nominations and won seven awards, including Best Picture, Best Actress (Gwyneth Paltrow) and Best Original Screenplay.
Gone with the Wind (1939): 13 nominations
This sweeping romance is set against the Civil War and follows fiery Scarlett O’Hara navigating her turbulent life. Considered one of the greatest films ever made, it took home eight Oscars from 13 nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director (Victor Fleming) and Best Actress (Vivien Leigh).
From Here to Eternity (1953): 13 nominations
Set in Hawaii during the lead-up to Pearl Harbor, this drama examines love, loss and military life. It garnered 13 nominations and won in eight categories, including Best Picture, Best Director (Fred Zinnemann), Best Supporting Actor (Frank Sinatra) and Best Supporting Actress (Donna Reed).
La La Land (2016): 14 nominations
Damien Chazelle’s dazzling love letter to Los Angeles and the world of musicals is a visual and auditory feast. La La Land‘s vibrant colours, catchy tunes and heartfelt performances by Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone earned it a staggering 14 nominations. It won six awards, including Best Director for Chazelle and Best Actress for Stone.
All About Eve (1950): 14 nominations
This scathing Hollywood satire tells the story of a young woman who insinuates herself into the life of a fading Broadway star. With 14 nominations, it holds the record for the most acting nominations in Oscar history for female actors. Bette Davis won her second Best Actress award for her performance and the film itself triumphed in six categories, including Best Picture.
Titanic (1997): 14 nominations
James Cameron’s epic romance-disaster film needs no introduction. It captured the hearts of audiences worldwide with its grand love story set against the backdrop of a doomed ship. Starring Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio, Titanic raked in a record-breaking 14 nominations and tied All About Eve for the most nods ever received. It ultimately went on to win eleven awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for James Cameron.
(Hero image: Courtesy of © 1997 – Paramount Pictures/ IMDb; Universal Pictures – © Universal Pictures/ IMDb; Featured image: Courtesy of Universal Pictures – © Universal Pictures/ IMDb)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
-What movie has won all 11 Oscars it was nominated for?
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003), the conclusion to Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy, has the distinction of winning all 11 Oscars it was nominated for.
-Who has had 52 Oscar nominations?
Legendary film composer John Williams, known for composing music for films like Star Wars, Harry Potter (main theme), Jurassic Park and Superman, has earned him a total of astounding 52 nominations. However, the late Walt Disney still holds the record for most nominations: 59.
-Who got the most Oscar nominations in 2024?
The biographical drama Oppenheimer dominated the 2024 Oscars, receiving a remarkable 13 nominations across various categories.
-Which actor was nominated 7 times for an Oscar?
Many actors and actresses have been nominated for 7 or more Oscars. Meryl Streep holds the record for the most Oscar nominations for acting with a total of 21. Katharine Hepburn and Jack Nicholson come close with 12 nominations each.
Kshitij is a journalism graduate who did not initially intend to become a film critic, but such are the vagaries of destiny. Now, Kshitij is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic and a member of the Film Critics Guild, bringing expertise and experience in evaluating entertainment content with him. Additionally, he serves as a jury member on the Critics' Choice Awards in India. When he's not busy wielding words, catch him nose-deep in books or joyfully lost in the realms of gaming and photography.
