Reply #45: Probably the weakest Best Picture ever, but it was a bad year for film. [View All]

[jobycom]

I think Braveheart won because of the work that went into it more than the movie that came out of it. It was a decent film, and it had its clever moments (as long as you don't care about historical accuracy), but it never lived up to its promise. And it's competition was weak. Babe was cute, but not any better, and certainly not as great an undertaking. The Academy seems to reward achievements in fx and cinematography and sheer management skill on some large projects, and I think that's how Braveheart won. I remember watching the Oscars that year (rare for me), and thinking I didn't like the choice but I couldn't see what else they could have done.

I agree on Forrest Whitaker. I wish his career had played out better. Damn good actor.