Why Titanic Failed the Academy Awards Big 5 Sweep: Only 3 Films Made History

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.