#20. Lawrence of Arabia
Oscar Wins: 7
Oscar Nominations: 10
Release Year: 1962
David Lean’s historical biopic became the late Peter O’Toole’s career-defining lead role. As British lieutenant T.E. Lawrence, he’s anointed Lawrence of Arabia as a go-between for the English and Arabs in the search for Prince Faisal.
“Lawrence of Arabia” won seven Oscars, including best picture, best director and best actor, among others.
#20. Going My Way
Oscar Wins: 7
Oscar Nominations: 10
Release Year: 1944
“Going My Way” was 1944’s highest-grossing film (earning $6.5 million in 1940s dollars). It told the story of a young priest (Bing Crosby) who takes over a parish in a tough New York neighborhood, where things become complicated when the clergyman’s old flame comes back into his life. This Golden-Age musical won seven Oscars and catapulted Crosby to stardom.
#20. Patton
Oscar Wins: 7
Oscar Nominations: 10
Release Year: 1970
George C. Scott doesn’t just play General George S. Patton in 1971’s best picture winner; he virtually is General Patton. In his most recognizable and respected role, the biopic of the famed World War II hero tells the story of Patton’s wartime campaigns and ultimate fall from military grace. Scott’s opening monologue is example enough why “Patton” was selected as a Library of Congress National Film Registrant.
#20. The Sting
Oscar Wins: 7
Oscar Nominations: 10
Release Year: 1973
Paul Newman and Robert Redford’s second turn together (after Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid), “The Sting” made caper flicks popular again. The 1973 comedy heist follows the lives of two con men who seek revenge on a ruthless crime boss. Who can forget Marvin Hamlisch’s tinkling, ragtime piano theme?
#20. Gravity
Oscar Wins: 7
Oscar Nominations: 10
Release Year: 2013
Many films deal with the possibility of being lost in space, but none done so artfully as Alfonso Cuaron’s “Gravity.” When two astronauts — a rookie on her first shuttle mission and a veteran set to retire — are stranded out in the galaxy, their only alternative might be to venture further into the atmosphere. Though it didn’t win its best picture nomination, “Gravity” won seven out of 10 that year, including best director.