Why Titanic Failed the Academy Awards Big 5 Sweep: Only 3 Films Made History
Explore the rare history of Academy Awards Big 5 winners. Only three movies have ever swept the top five categories, leaving even blockbusters like Titanic in the dust.
Even though Titanic famously hauled in 11 Oscars, it couldn't manage to sweep the most prestigious categories in Hollywood. In the 90-year history of the Academy Awards, achieving a clean sweep of the 'Big 5'—Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, and Screenplay—is a feat so rare that only three movies have ever done it.
The Holy Grail: Academy Awards Big 5 Winners History
The first legendary sweep happened back in 1934 with the classic It Happened One Night. It set a benchmark that wouldn't be touched for another 41 years. In 1975, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest shocked the world by taking home all five major statuettes.
The most recent—and perhaps most surprising—member of this elite club is The Silence of the Lambs (1991). It remains the only horror-thriller to ever dominate the big categories, proving that psychological depth can win over the Academy's traditional preferences.
Close Calls: Masterpieces That Fell Short
Several films have come agonizingly close. Gone with the Wind and American Beauty both managed to win four out of the five, usually missing out on one of the lead acting awards. More recently, La La Land was the last movie to even be nominated for all five, but it ultimately didn't join the sweep club.
This content is AI-generated based on source articles. While we strive for accuracy, errors may occur. We recommend verifying with the original source.
Related Articles
Discover 10 shocking Hollywood award show rules for 2026. From the $185k tax on gift bags to the reason Oscar statues must stay nude, go behind the red carpet scenes.
Explore the history of 14 Disney songs that won the Oscar for Best Original Song. From Pinocchio to Frozen and Coco, dive into Disney Oscar winning songs history and facts.
See horror movie actors side-by-side with their most terrifying roles. Angela Norris of Fxattics Studios reveals the 18 faces behind Pennywise, Valak, and more.
Challenge yourself with the Hollywood Movie Role Quiz 29. Test your knowledge by matching iconic actors like Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock to their famous roles.
Discover 10 shocking Hollywood award show rules for 2026. From the $185k tax on gift bags to the reason Oscar statues must stay nude, go behind the red carpet scenes.
Explore the history of 14 Disney songs that won the Oscar for Best Original Song. From Pinocchio to Frozen and Coco, dive into Disney Oscar winning songs history and facts.
See horror movie actors side-by-side with their most terrifying roles. Angela Norris of Fxattics Studios reveals the 18 faces behind Pennywise, Valak, and more.
Challenge yourself with the Hollywood Movie Role Quiz 29. Test your knowledge by matching iconic actors like Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock to their famous roles.