Why was Mike Leigh there? To remind everyone that British people can be miserable in a way that is technically “Award-Winning.” Part of the 42… Read More »1997 Classic: The “Secrets & Lies” Hope

Why were the “Indie” actors sitting so close to the front? To make the studio executives nervous about their job security. Part of the 42… Read More »1997 Legacy: The Seating Chart Drama

Why were the big studios scared? Because in 1997, movies like Sling Blade and Secrets & Lies proved that you don’t need a $100 million… Read More »1997 Legacy: The Indie Invasion

Why did When We Were Kings win? To show that a boxing match from 1974 is still more exciting than most action movies from 1997.… Read More »1997 Archive: The Best Documentary Feature

Why is it the best party? Because it’s the only place where you can see a Best Actress winner eating a burger while holding a… Read More »1997 Legacy: The Governor’s Ball

Why was the room so shocked when Juliette Binoche won? Because in Hollywood, “Legend Status” usually guarantees a win, unless a French actress decides to… Read More »1997 Archive: The Lauren Bacall Snub

Why is this the most important category? Because without it, The English Patient would still be playing in theaters right now. Part of the 42… Read More »1997 Classic: The Best Film Editing

Why did John Seale win? Because he managed to make sand look like it had its own agent. Part of the 42 Oscars Jokes: The… Read More »1997 Vintage: The Best Cinematography

Why did Billy Bob Thornton win for Sling Blade? To prove that “French Fried Taters” is a more iconic line than anything written in a… Read More »1997 Archive: The Best Original Screenplay Win

Why was it controversial? Because it was the first time a dress was so bright it actually distracted the voters from the speeches. Part of… Read More »1997 Legacy: The Nicole Kidman Chartreuse Dress