30 Oscar losers that should have been Oscar winners

Richard Linklater (Boyhood) losing to Alejandro G. Innáritu (Birdman) – Best Director (2015)

The Winner

Birdman, the intense and emotionally riveting story of a has-been superhero movie actor making a theatrical comeback. Innáritu and co. examine the purpose of art and the demons involved in making it.

The Loser

Boyhood, the contemplative exploration of what it means to grow up. Featuring the small moments that make you into the person you are. Linklater’s preoccupation with the concept of time is on full, joyous display.

Why It Was Wrong

This was a really tough one to put on this list. I’m not even sure it should be. But I can definitely make an argument for it!

Here’s the thing. Birdman is widely, almost universally, accepted as a stunning cinematic achievement. And it deserves that honor greatly. I will never argue with its Best Picture win. And, I know I already ragged on Innáritu, but I actually think he’s an amazing director. Birdman’s long, unbroken shots and seamless transitions are a stellar storytelling device. And the surprising and ambiguous ways in which the madness of Riggan (the protagonist) manifests are some of my favorite parts. It’s truly amazing.

BUT LINKLATER THOUGH. In case you were living under a bridge in 2014, Boyhood was special. The main character, Mason, is played by Ellar Coltrane – at all ages. Boyhood began production in 2002 when he was eight. It wrapped in 2013 when he was nineteen. His mom, dad, and sister were all played by the same actors as well. The movie is a very literal coming-of-age, in that the boy in question came of age with it. Additionally, Linklater’s directing style with his actors is very freeform and improvisational. So the characters and the story evolved with the evolution of the actors playing them.

The process in itself an astounding feat of filmmaking. But some have called it a gimmick. I disagree. The function of allowing the same young actor to infuse his personality and experiences of growing up into the film was genius. Because of that, Mason is self-actualized as a character in a way that most are not. The movie is so real for us, because it is so real for everyone involved, especially Coltrane. The sheer innovation coupled with the astounding result gives this one the win, for me.