The movies JAWS competed with for the Best Picture Academy Award 1976

On Monday, March 29, 1976, the 48th Academy Awards unfolded at the illustrious Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles, California. The distinguished event was helmed by a notable lineup of hosts, including Walter Mattha, George Segal, Goldie Hawn, and Gene Kelly and JAWS star Robert Shaw.

Robert Shaw hosting the 1976 Academy Awards

Despite being a critcial, fan and box office success, JAWS was snubbed in many major Oscar categories that looking back seems unthinkable. No acting nominations. All three leads SHOULD HAVE BEEN NOMINATED, with many people still argiung Shaw should have won Best Supporting Actor for his perfect portayal of the charismatic and traumatised shark hunter Quint.

Roy Scheider and Margeaux Hemingway presenting the Academy Award for Best Sound (1976)

Director Steven Spielberg was also failed to get a Best Director nomination. But JAWS was nominated for four awards… Best Editing, Best Sound, Best Music and Best Picture. It won all but Best Picture. Below we look at JAWS and the movies it competed with for Best Picture 1976.

Nominee: JAWS

Directed by Steven Spielberg is a landmark thriller that revolutionized the film industry and solidified Spielberg's reputation as a master filmmaker. Based on Peter Benchley's novel, the film follows Police Chief Martin Brody, played by Roy Scheider, as he grapples with a series of gruesome shark attacks that terrorize the small island community of Amity.

As the summer tourist season approaches, Brody teams up with oceanographer Matt Hooper, portrayed by Richard Dreyfuss, and seasoned shark hunter Quint, played by Robert Shaw, to hunt down the menacing great white shark responsible for the attacks. Their harrowing journey aboard the Orca, Quint's weathered fishing boat, culminates in a tense and unforgettable showdown with the relentless predator.

"Jaws" is celebrated for its groundbreaking special effects, suspenseful storytelling, and iconic musical score by John Williams, which has become synonymous with impending danger. Spielberg's deft direction and mastery of suspense build tension to a crescendo, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats until the climactic finale.

With its blend of heart-pounding thrills, memorable characters, and timeless storytelling, "Jaws" remains a cinematic classic that continues to captivate and terrify audiences around the world, cementing its status as one of the greatest films ever made.

Won:

Best Music John Williams

Best Sound: John Carter

Best Editing: Verna Fields

Nominee: Dog Day Afternoon

A gripping crime drama directed by Sidney Lumet, based on true events. The film follows Sonny Wortzik, portrayed by Al Pacino, and his accomplice Sal, played by John Cazale, as they attempt to rob a bank in Brooklyn, New York. However, their plan quickly goes awry, leading to a tense hostage situation that unfolds over the course of a sweltering summer day.

As Sonny and Sal find themselves trapped inside the bank with hostages and surrounded by law enforcement, the media descends upon the scene, turning the botched robbery into a sensationalized spectacle. Meanwhile, Sonny's motivations are gradually revealed, shedding light on his desperate circumstances and personal struggles.

"Dog Day Afternoon" is a riveting character study that delves into themes of desperation, identity, and the consequences of impulsive actions. Al Pacino delivers a tour de force performance as Sonny, capturing his volatile emotions and inner turmoil with raw intensity. Lumet's masterful direction keeps the tension palpable throughout, while the film's dark humor and social commentary add depth to its narrative.

Ultimately, "Dog Day Afternoon" transcends its crime thriller trappings to become a poignant exploration of human nature and the complexities of morality in the face of adversity.

Won:

Best Original Screenplay: Frank Pierson

Nominee: Barry Lyndon

A visually stunning period drama directed by Stanley Kubrick, adapted from William Makepeace Thackeray's novel. Set in the 18th century, it follows the life of Redmond Barry, a young Irishman of modest means who embarks on a journey of ambition and self-discovery. After a series of misfortunes and duels, Barry joins the British army, ultimately rising to prominence through strategic alliances and cunning maneuvering.

The film intricately portrays Barry's pursuit of wealth, status, and love against the backdrop of European aristocracy. His marriage to Lady Lyndon, a wealthy widow, offers him entry into high society but also brings unforeseen challenges and consequences. As Barry navigates the complexities of social hierarchy and personal relationships, he grapples with themes of fate, morality, and the transient nature of power.

"Barry Lyndon" is renowned for its breathtaking cinematography, meticulously recreating the aesthetics of the 18th century with exquisite detail. Kubrick's signature long takes and natural lighting techniques lend the film a painterly quality, evoking the grandeur and elegance of the era. Ryan O'Neal delivers a nuanced performance as Barry, capturing his evolution from a naive youth to a calculating opportunist. "Barry Lyndon" stands as a masterful exploration of ambition, romance, and the human condition, leaving a lasting impression on audiences with its timeless beauty and depth.

Won:

Best Art Direction: Art Direction: Ken Adam and Roy Walker & Set Decoration Vernon Dixon

Best Costume Design: Milena Canonero and Ulla-Britt Söderlund

Best Cinematography: John Alcott

Best Scoring: Original Song Score and Adaptation or Scoring: Adaptation: Leonard Rosenman

Nominee: Nashville

Directed by Robert Altman, is a sprawling ensemble drama set against the backdrop of the country music scene in Nashville, Tennessee. Released in 1975, the film interweaves the lives of numerous characters from diverse backgrounds, all converging in the vibrant and chaotic city during a political rally. Through its mosaic of intertwining storylines, "Nashville" explores themes of fame, ambition, identity, and the American Dream.

The film features an ensemble cast of talented actors, including Keith Carradine, Lily Tomlin, Geraldine Chaplin, and Shelley Duvall, among others, each portraying characters with their own aspirations, struggles, and relationships. At the heart of the narrative is the music itself, with numerous original songs performed throughout the film, adding depth and emotion to the storytelling.

Altman's distinctive directorial style, characterized by overlapping dialogue and naturalistic performances, creates a sense of authenticity and immediacy, immersing viewers in the vibrant tapestry of Nashville's music scene. With its richly drawn characters and thought-provoking exploration of American culture and society, "Nashville" remains a landmark achievement in filmmaking, earning critical acclaim and leaving a lasting impact on audiences for decades to come.

Won:

Best Music, Original Song: Keith Carradine

Winner: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

A timeless cinematic masterpiece directed by Milos Forman, based on Ken Kesey's novel of the same name. Set in a psychiatric hospital, the film follows the experiences of Randle McMurphy, a charismatic but rebellious criminal who feigns insanity to avoid hard labor in prison. McMurphy's arrival disrupts the rigid and oppressive routine of the institution, challenging the authority of Nurse Ratched, the tyrannical head nurse who maintains control over the patients through manipulation and fear.

As McMurphy leads his fellow patients in acts of defiance and rebellion, a power struggle ensues between him and Nurse Ratched, symbolizing the broader conflict between individuality and conformity. Through his antics and camaraderie, McMurphy inspires the patients to reclaim their autonomy and sense of self-worth, ultimately leading to tragic consequences.

The film delves deep into themes of mental illness, institutionalization, and the human spirit's resilience in the face of oppression. Jack Nicholson delivers a career-defining performance as McMurphy, capturing the character's charm, wit, and inner turmoil with remarkable authenticity. "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" remains a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of societal norms and the quest for freedom and dignity.

Also won:

Best Director Milos Foreman

Best Actor: Jack Nicholson

Best Actress: Louise Fletcher

Best Adapted Screenplay: Lawrence Hauben and Bo Goldman

Watch the Best Picture winner 1976 announcement here:

Words by Ross Williams

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