When it comes to Oscar-winning films, what famous face of the silver screen comes to mind? Odds are probably high that many will consider heart-breaking, romantic dramas like Casablanca, or maybe even a modern art-house masterpiece like Birdman Or (The Unexpected Virtue Of Ignorance). But what about something a little more lighthearted and lyrical?
As long as there has been sound and music in a motion picture, there has been the movie musical. Although the medium of both film and music has come a long way since the early days of Hollywood and Broadway, the genre is loaded with dozens of Oscar-winning gems that continue to be treasured today.
West Side Story (1961)
The Jets are gonna rumble tonight in this musical adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. But instead of fair Verona, Stephen Sondheim trades in the age of Shakespeare for '50s New York. A turf war between two rival street gangs is certainly no romantic scenario, but Tony and Maria manage to find love during a time of territorial turmoil.
The film won ten Academy Awards, including best picture, and has even been recognized by the Library of Congress. A remake directed by none other than Steven Spielberg himself is set to be released in December 2020 but no matter how good that may or may not be, nothing will ever top this classic musical.
Les Misérables (2012)
Both the film and the musical on which this adaptation is based are acquired tastes for even the biggest Broadway buff, but to say Les Misérables isn't iconic would be an outright lie.
After being in development hell since the '80s and with a bunch of lackluster adaptations of the book rather than the musical, 2012 finally brought the saga of Jean Valjean to the silver screen. It received several nominations including Best Picture, but its most prominent award was undeniably earned by Anne Hathaway as Best Supporting Actress for her tragic portrayal of Fantine.
The Music Man (1962)
Although this adaptation of the Broadway staple only won Best Musical Score, that was essentially enough to get its songs ingrained into the audiences' collective consciousness.
Whether they have seen the film/musical or not, they've no doubt heard the tune "Seventy-Six Trombones" and, thanks to Family Guy, "Shipoopi." The soundtrack alone is more than enough reason to watch it.
My Fair Lady (1964)
Although the stage role will forever be Julie Andrews's, Audrey Hepburn's portrayal of Eliza Doolittle in the cinematic version of My Fair Lady will forever be established in the world of cinema as the most visually striking version.
Hepburn aside, the musical has been considered one of the most prominent of the 20th century. With awards for Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best director under its large, feathery hat, it's no wonder how it became so beloved.
Cabaret (1972)
Who says a musical can't be a little risque? Based on the scandalous musical of the same name, Cabaret was a smash when it premiered in 1972, taking home heaps of Oscar gold, including Best Picture.
Directed and choreographed by Broadway legend Bob Fosse, Cabaret tells the torrid love affair between Sally Bowels and Cliff Bradshaw against the backdrop of the shady Kit Kat Klub during the rise of Nazi Germany. Thanks to this musical, a greeting as innocuous as "Welcome to Berlin" now has a different ring to it.
Fiddler on the Roof (1971)
It's impossible to deny the cultural significance of Fiddler on the Roof, and it's also impossible not to recognize not one, not two but four of its most famous songs within the first act alone.
The generational tale of Tevye and his family living on the cusp of the Bolshevic Uprising is an emotional ride no one should miss out on. It was definitely well-deserving of its Oscars, especially for its catchy tunes that reflect the lives of its Jewish characters who experience some intense highs and lows over the decades.
The Sound of Music (1965)
Maria and the Von Trapp family's soundtrack has been permanently imprinted into the minds of anyone exposed to the musical genre. It's practically impossible to not know about this famous film and the musical that inspired it.
Ever since its successful debut, The Sound of Music has been referenced and parodied so many times in modern popular culture that it ventures into rigmarole territory. All one needs to say is "Doe, a deer..." and the rest of the song will follow.
La La Land (2016)
Perhaps the most modern feature on this list has to be La La Land. Unlike many of the previously mentioned films, this movie musical takes inspiration more from the musical films of the Golden Age of Hollywood, making it more of a homage and love letter to the bygone genre than anything.
Although it lost the Best Picture award to Moonlight in one of the Academy's most awkward and controversial ceremonies ever, it did win six Academy Awards, including Best Director and Best Actress. This jazzy romantic comedy should not be overlooked by anyone with a passion for old-school musicals and music in general.
Amadeus (1984)
Though it's technically based on the play of the same name, Amadeus relies heavily on the music of Mozart to tell its story of jealousy and revenge. What can be said or praised about this biopic that hasn't been already?
There are few films so discussed, studied, and lauded more than the cinematic rivalry of Salieri and Mozart, which seamlessly blends classical music and drama into one of cinema's greatest historical tragedies. Nominated for a total of nearly forty awards from various bodies and winning eight of eleven nods from the Academy, is it any wonder about this film's reputation?
The Lion King (1998)
If there's one animated musical that deserves to be featured, it's Disney's The Lion King. While Beauty and the Beast received a nomination for Best Picture, it's Simba's story that has proven to be the most culturally significant.
The film not only received several awards but one of the most successful stage adaptations in Broadway history and countless rereleases over its decorated career. Long live the king, indeed.