Here's a thought for you . . .

I have always said that the Oscar's always award the typical 'Hollywood' movie and leave other, and often better, films out of the winners circle.

For example, let's take a look at some past oscar winners . . .

1) A Beautiful Mind
2) Forrest Gump
3) Gladiator
4) Titanic

These are all decent movies that did exceptionally well at the box office mainly because they went out of they way to NOT offend anyone (with Gladiator's violence being a bit of an exception). I'm certain that you could add many more winning movies that fit this typical mould.

Now, here are some GREAT films that were not recognized with an oscar or received very little comparitively . . .

1) Lord of the Rings
2) Memento
3) Star Wars
4) Moulin Rouge
5) LA Confidential
6) Pulp Fiction
7) Trainspotting
8) Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon

These movies were all original or considered impossible to do. Some are offensive, others have a fantasy origin, and some are incredibly violent. However all were the true top films of their respective year.

The point I'm trying to make is this. . . with the Oscar's always awarding the film the fits most nicely into the 'Hollywood Image' what is happening is less original ideas are coming out of Hollywood recently. The Oscars, in fact, are encouraging that more unoriginal films be made. If you don't think so just take a look where all the best original films are being made recently. Not in Hollywood that's for sure.

I think you're right....Braveheart is another one to add. It's a good film, but it's typical Oscar material. 2 films you mentioned "Memento" and "Crouching Tiger......" both excellent and maybe just a little bit too challenging. Another couple of excellent films that got not much (if any) recognition are "Leon" and "Green Mile".

AMEN!!!! THANK YOU!!!!

Please don't forget Amelie! What a wonderfully simple film. hmmmm..

time for two cents from the movie buff.

as a Chinese person...I'm very biased about 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon'.
However, I do have to say that it is not the best film of its genre.
There are many Chinese films that most people
who are not chinese have never seen.

I say judge with caution on that one.

I agree that the four you listed were safe choices.
Gladiator did win in a weak year.
and Titanic was horrible...just a slap in the face!

I feel that no sci-fi/fantasy flick will ever win the best picture Oscar.

LOTR will always be a better book than a movie.
Star Wars...c'mon...it's a western in space.
Don't get me wrong, I love it.
But the scripting was bad, the acting worse.
the plot lines are horrendous.
As an American, I just overlook those things and enjoy the ride.

Try to be more critical.
Once you list what was good and what was bad.
You'll realize things are far more balanced than you think.

The Oscars, after all, are a popularity contest, and they are done to sell movie tickets.

Anyone who believes that the Oscars is about picking the best, wake up and smell the coffee.

Moulin Rouge was too frenetic...and it used nearly all old songs...nothing original.

This is not Sound of Music or My Fair Lady.
That is the standard that all musicals will be judged against...whether it is fair or not.

All told, I think that you are absolutely correct, from a certain point of view.

Great replys so far! Keep them coming please. As to the comments about LOTR and Star Wars.

1) LOTR will always be a better book, but the film was still one of the years best.

2) One thing that is not judged fairly by Oscars is how revolutionary a film is. Such films as Star Wars and The Matrix have changed the way films are made, yet they are hardly recognized for their acheivments. If there is one thing the Oscars should change it is the lack of recognizing such revolutionary leaps forward in film.

I just find it disturbing that truly great/revolutionary films are often not given the credit they rightfully deserve. If you don't believe me think of how many people you know who have seen Memento, I bet you it's not many.

yeah, props to Guy Pearce, who just made the move Memento...not the same without him.

Yeah, go Aussies!
speaking of which LA Confidential, phenomenal film btw, had both Guy Pearce and Russell Crowe in it.
of course, James Cromwell and Kevin Spacey didn't hurt either.

Oh, I do agree that LOTR was one of the year's best. I saw it and I loved it.
very well done.

The Oscars have never been about revolutionary films.
I think Star Wars did get a special Oscar.
as did Snow White for being firsts at something.
The Matrix was good.
heck, I anger my neighbors with that movie once ever two weeks by blasting the subwoofer on high.

Technology will always proceed very quickly.
and the Oscars do give technical awards.
but just because your film is technically great or ahead of its time, doesn't mean a best picture.

So, I guess that Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones should win the Oscar in 2003 cause it was the first film to ever be shot completely digitally? I think not.

LOL true true,

My point isn't that a film must be technically superior to be considered great. But films that are revolutionary should get more than a 'special award.' Such an award is a sell out. Many films have changed the way movies are made without the use of special effects. Just look at The Blair Witch Project, Pulp Fiction, or Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. All these movies added something to films that had not been done in the past. I'm not saying all should win Oscars, I'm just pointing out that wrong type of movie (such as ones that don't do anything 'new') are always the winners. That's why most Hollywood films SUCK.

and oddly enough, it's those traditional Hollywood movies that, on average, make the most money.

I wonder why they still do them?
It's all about the bottom line.
That's what allows them to fund the odd movies.

Check out the 60's.
movies like musicals were made.

however, ground breaking movies were also made.
sex, drugs, love, rock 'n roll and other taboo subjects were touched upon.

Midnight Cowboy, Easy Rider, Bonnie & Clyde, The Graduate, etc.

every era has its revolution
not only technical, but thematically

and Oscar always does what it does.
recognizes some and dismisses others.