Oscar-winning films often gravitate towards the drama genre, with comedies making sporadic appearances. However, one genre that frequently goes unnoticed is fantasy, even though it encompasses a wide array of elements, including magic, otherworldly settings, and futuristic themes. Fantasy films can seamlessly blend elements of horror, drama, and comedy into their narratives. While the Oscars may not always shine a spotlight on this genre, there have been instances where fantasy films have secured victories across various categories, spanning from Best Original Score to the coveted Best Picture award.
The Shape of Water
Horror movies are rare winners at awards shows despite their major following. Although followings don’t necessarily equate to Oscar wins, horror films build a detailed and gripping storyline just as dramas do. Therefore, when horror movies win Oscars, it can be huge for the genre being seen as “more serious.” While The Shape of Water is a blend of horror and fantasy, director Guillermo del Toro’s artistry finally won two Oscars, when his film picked up two awards.
The director won Best Motion Picture of the Year and Best Achievement in Directing. He was up against films like Get Out for Best Picture and directors like Christopher Nolan for Best Director. The Shape of Water also won Best Original Score and Best Production Design.
Midnight in Paris
Midnight in Paris (2011) is a romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by Woody Allen. It stars Owen Wilson as Gil Pender, a screenwriter who is on vacation in Paris with his fiancée, Inez (Rachel McAdams). While in Paris, Gil begins to travel back in time to the 1920s each night at midnight, where he meets many of the famous artists and writers of the era, including Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Gertrude Stein.
Midnight in Paris is a charming and witty film that celebrates the beauty of Paris and the allure of the past. Owen Wilson gives a delightful performance as Gil, a man who is disillusioned with his present life and finds solace in the past. The film also features a strong supporting cast, including Rachel McAdams, Marion Cotillard, Adrien Brody, and Kathy Bates. Midnight in Paris is a film that will stay with you long after you watch it. It is a film about love, loss, and the importance of following your dreams. It is also a film about the magic of Paris and the power of the imagination.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
An epic conclusion to a cinematic masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King is a must-see for any fan of fantasy, adventure, and epic storytelling. The film picks up where The Two Towers left off, with Frodo and Sam continuing their journey to Mordor to destroy the One Ring. Along the way, they are joined by the treacherous Gollum, who has his own plans for the Ring.
Meanwhile, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and the rest of the Fellowship prepare for the final battle against Sauron’s forces. The Battle of Minas Tirith is one of the most epic and visually stunning battle scenes ever put to film.The Return of the King is a film that has it all: excitement, adventure, humor, heartbreak, and ultimately, hope. It is a film that will stay with you long after you have seen it.
Black Panther
The Marvel Cinematic Universe has largely been criticized for its lack of diversity and plot lines by Hollywood mega-stars and movie-goers alike, particularly in the earliest phases. In the grand scheme of Hollywood, the MCU has done something largely unseen: making fantasy accessible to non-fantasy fans. From the science that kept Steve Rogers alive while frozen for 70s years to the Afro-futurism of the Black Panther universe, originality is at the core of Marvel’s success.
Specifically regarding Black Panther, which marked the studio’s first nearly all-Black cast in movie, the film also won the studio its first three Oscars, two of which are firsts for Black women in Hollywood. In addition to winning Best Original song, Black Panther won Oscars for Best Costume Design and Best Production Design. Ruth E. Carter, who was the lead costume designer, and Hannah Beachler, who was the production designer, are the first Black women to win in their respective categories.
Everything Everywhere All at Once
Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022) is a wild, hilarious, and surprisingly heartwarming sci-fi comedy about Evelyn Wang (Michelle Yeoh), a Chinese-American laundromat owner who is struggling to keep her business afloat and her family together. One day, Evelyn suddenly thrust into a multiverse adventure, where she must learn to channel her newfound powers and save the world.
The film is a dazzling assault on the senses, with its frenetic editing, psychedelic visuals, and absurdist humor. But beneath the madness is a deeply moving story about family, love, and acceptance. Yeoh gives a career-best performance as Evelyn, a woman who overwhelmed by her responsibilities but ultimately finds the strength to overcome them. Everything Everywhere All at Once is a truly unique and unforgettable film. It is a must-see for fans of sci-fi, comedy, and anyone who has ever felt lost or out of place.
