Honoring the underdogs: 5 times unexpected winners claimed the Oscar

Amidst the glitz and glamour of Hollywood's esteemed awards gala, there have been remarkable occasions where the underdog seized victory, surpassing all expectations and enchanting audiences globally. These unforgettable moments mark the ascent of unsung heroes, defying the odds and leaving an indelible mark on the canvas of cinematic history.

As the 96th Academy Awards approach, let's reminisce about five memorable times when unexpected winners stole the spotlight.

(Also Read: 'Thanks, But No Thanks': Oscar winners who turned down their awards )

Olivia Colman Winning Best Actress

In 2019, Glenn Close seemed poised to finally win an Academy Award after seven previous nominations. Despite consensus that her performance in The Wife wasn't her strongest, the Academy was known to honor actors for their overall contributions. So, when Olivia Colman's name was called instead, it came as a genuine surprise. However, Colman's sincere and heartfelt acceptance speech quickly won over viewers worldwide.

Rocky Wins Best Picture

It's only fitting that Rocky, the quintessential underdog film, earns its spot on this list. Not because it wasn't deserving of the prize, but because it had to surpass some of the greatest films ever made to clinch the Best Picture title, including All the President's Men, Network, and Taxi Driver.

 Rocky proved its undeniable strength, leaving the Academy with no choice but to acknowledge its power. Not only did it secure Best Picture, but John G. Avildsen also triumphed over esteemed directors like Sidney Lumet and Ingmar Bergman to claim the Best Director award.

Roberto Benigni Wins Best Actor

Roberto Benigni secured his place in Oscars history by besting formidable contenders like Tom Hanks in Saving Private Ryan, Ian McKellen in Gods and Monsters, Nick Nolte in Affliction, and Edward Norton in American History X for the Best Actor award. Benigni's reaction was priceless—he was so stunned that he began running around the auditorium.

However, his exuberance reached new heights when Life is Beautiful won Best Foreign Language Film. Benigni leaped onto the back of a nearby chair and proceeded to hop from chair to chair to the stage, instantly becoming a memorable Oscars moment. His actions, though unconventional, overshadowed any debate about who was the more deserving winner, even if Hanks was arguably a strong contender.

Moonlight Wins Best Picture

Undoubtedly, Moonlight stood out as the pinnacle of filmmaking in 2016. However, as the ceremony approached, many believed the Academy would succumb to the nostalgic allure of La La Land. Damien Chazelle's musical, featuring Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling, indeed scooped the most Oscars that night. Yet, the ultimate twist came when Moonlight was announced as Best Picture.

 Initially, Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway announced La La Land as the winner, only for producer Jordan Horowitz to realize the mistake and graciously invite the Moonlight team onto the stage, creating an unforgettable Oscars moment.

Art Carney Wins Best Actor

As it was with Donat, it's hard to criticize Carney's emotional performance in the sentimental road movie about an elderly widower and his cat. It's simply astounding to see that Carney beat such prestigious competitors to win the prize. These included Albert Finney for Murder on the Orient Express, Dustin Hoffman for Lenny, Jack Nicholson for Chinatown, and Al Pacino for The Godfather Part II.

(Also Read: The Oscar snubs: 10 big movies and stars left in the shadows by the Academy)