Ranking the 3 Movies That Won All 5 Major Oscars

The Academy Awards have a rich history, yet only three films have achieved the remarkable feat of winning all five of the major Oscar categories: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay. As the 2025 Oscars draw near, it presents an opportune moment to reflect on these groundbreaking films and their enduring legacies in cinema.

Despite many deserving contenders, including films like Wicked and A Complete Unknown, none have been able to join this elite group after the announcement of the 2025 nominations. The three films recognized for their unparalleled excellence have not only secured places in the Academy’s history books but have also been honored by the Library of Congress, which selected them for preservation in the US National Film Registry. Furthermore, they are celebrated in the American Film Institute’s list of the top 100 films. Nevertheless, their impact varies significantly when evaluated based on their thematic integrity, cultural relevance, and legacy.

3 The Silence Of The Lambs (1991)

Based On The 1988 Book The Silence Of The Lambs By Thomas Harris

The Silence of the Lambs revolutionized the horror and thriller genres, setting a precedent for countless films and television shows that followed. The chilling performances of Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling and Anthony Hopkins as Dr. Hannibal Lecter are often heralded as some of the best in cinematic history. Their chemistry and character portrayals not only earned them their Oscars but also left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.

Award	Winner
Best Picture	The Silence of the Lambs
Best Director	Jonathan Demme
Best Actor	Anthony Hopkins
Best Actress	Jodie Foster
Best Adapted Screenplay	Ted Tally

Despite Lecter’s brief screen time of just 16 minutes, he has garnered a reputation as one of cinema’s most memorable villains. The character’s complexity was further explored in sequels such as Hannibal (2001) and Red Dragon (2002).However, the film is not without its complications. The portrayal of Buffalo Bill, another pivotal character, raises concerns about perpetuating negative stereotypes of transgender individuals. Even though the narrative tries to dispel myths, it simultaneously contributes to harmful tropes about trans identities, illustrating a duality where artistic brilliance coexists with potential societal harm.

2 It Happened One Night (1934)

Based On The 1933 Short Story “Night Bus” By Samuel Hopkins Adams

It Happened One Night holds the distinction of being the first film to win all five major Oscars, showcasing a masterclass in romantic comedy storytelling. Directed by Frank Capra, this pre-Code film employed humor and romance to tackle serious social issues of its time, including gender roles and economic disparity. The on-screen chemistry between Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert created an iconic pairing that influenced the trajectory of the romantic comedy genre.

Enemies-to-lovers
Will-they-won’t-they
The fake relationship
The musical moment
The hitchhiking scene
The rom-com road trip
Runaway bride
The reporter looking for a scoop

Capra’s film not only featured progressive themes but also subverted traditional gender dynamics by placing a wealthy woman and a working-class man in a romantic plot. However, while it pushed the envelope for its era, modern audiences may find certain aspects of the film, such as its treatment of domestic violence, troubling. Despite its flaws, It Happened One Night maintains a largely positive legacy compared to The Silence of the Lambs.

Award	Winner
Best Picture	It Happened One Night
Best Director	Frank Capra
Best Actor	Clark Gable
Best Actress	Claudette Colbert
Best Adapted Screenplay	Robert Riskin

1 One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)

Based On The 1962 Book One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest By Ken Kesey

Regarded by many as the pinnacle of films that swept the Oscars, One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest skillfully intertwines drama and comedy while exploring the complexities of mental health and societal norms. The stellar performances by Jack Nicholson and Louise Fletcher earned them rightful acclaim, demonstrating the range of emotions that the film encapsulates.

Award	Winner
Best Picture	One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
Best Director	Milos Forman
Best Actor	Jack Nicholson
Best Actress	Louise Fletcher
Best Adapted Screenplay	Lawrence Hauben & Bo Goldman

The film challenges viewers’ expectations with its morally ambiguous characters and a narrative that defies the usual good-versus-evil trope. In doing so, it shines a light on issues of mental health, authoritarianism, and the treatment of marginalized populations. While societal attitudes towards mental health have evolved, the themes presented in One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest remain crucial in contemporary discussions about mental illness, thereby solidifying its position as the most impactful Oscar-winning film.

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