Action movies are often ignored at the Oscars. The Academy usually favors dramas and biopics, while spectacle, stunts, and explosive action often remain on the sidelines. However, there are exceptions where action films did take home the prizes. These are the ten most notable examples.
1. The Matrix (1999)
https://www.youtube.com/embed/vKQi3bBA1y8
The Wachowskis’ groundbreaking science-fiction action classic became a cultural phenomenon. With its revolutionary bullet time effects and philosophical depth, The Matrix won four Oscars, including Visual Effects and Editing.
2. Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
https://www.youtube.com/embed/hEJnMQG9ev8
George Miller’s insane road movie was praised as pure cinema. With breathtaking stunts, practical effects, and an endless stream of energy, Fury Road won six Oscars, primarily in technical categories. This is a rare example of a pure action film that was also hailed by critics.
3. The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZT2ZxjUjSo0
The third installment in the Bourne series was seen as the pinnacle of the franchise. Paul Greengrass’s documentary-style camerawerk and tight editing earned three Oscars, including Best Film Editing and Sound. Jason Bourne proved that tense, realistic action can be recognized by the Academy.
4. Gladiator (2000)
https://www.youtube.com/embed/owK1qxDselE
Ridley Scott’s epic starring Russell Crowe combined bloody arena battles with Shakespearean drama. Gladiator won five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actor. While it is a historical drama, the combat and action were crucial to its impact.
5. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xQSIdSRlAk
Indiana Jones’ first adventure set the standard for modern blockbusters. Steven Spielberg’s blend of adventure and action was nominated for Best Picture and ultimately won five Oscars in technical categories.
6. Braveheart (1995)
https://www.youtube.com/embed/1NJO0jxBtMo
Mel Gibson’s Scottish epic combined massive battles with patriotic drama. The film won five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. The brutally filmed fights make it one of the few war and action movies to score big with the Academy.
7. Inception (2010)
https://www.youtube.com/embed/YoHD9XEInc0
Christopher Nolan’s dream-within-a-dream thriller is an action blockbuster disguised as a mindbender. The spectacularly filmed action sequences, such as the rotating hallway, were stunning. Inception won four Oscars, mainly for visual and sound effects.
8. Black Panther (2018)
https://www.youtube.com/embed/xjDjIWPwcPU
Marvel films were ignored at the Oscars for years, but Black Panther broke that pattern. The film won three statues, including Costume Design and Original Score. It was recognized as culturally groundbreaking and a major step for the superhero genre.
9. The French Connection (1971)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T76K3RxJY0A
A raw police thriller starring Gene Hackman as detective Popeye Doyle. The famous car chase through New York remains one of the best in film history. The French Connection won five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director.
10. Speed (1994)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8piqd2BWeGI
Jan de Bont’s directorial debut is pure action: a bus that cannot go below 50 mph. Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock made it an iconic hit. The film won two Oscars for sound and proved that pure adrenaline can be rewarded.