For most of its 74-year history, the Golden Globes have been one of the oldest and most important bellwethers for Oscar season. But has that really been the case this century for their top prize? Only seven of the past 17 winners for Best Film Drama have then gone on take the Best Picture prize at the Academy Awards.
Our new photo gallery (view above) features all 74 previous champs for the most important trophy of the evening. That gallery includes the films during the 21st century that match up with Oscars and Globes: “Gladiator” (2000), “A Beautiful Mind” (2001), “Lord of the Rings: Return of the King” (2003), “Slumdog Millionaire” (2008), “Argo” (2012), “12 Years a Slave” (2013), and “Moonlight” (2016).
When the Hollywood Foreign Press Association first introduced the Golden Globe Awards in 1943, there was only a single prize for Best Film. It wasn’t until the 9th ceremony in 1951 that the lead acting and picture awards were split into Drama and Musical/Comedy categories.
At first, there were no official nominations in the categories: single prizes were given for acting, directing, and film. In 1949, there were two nominees listed for each award, and in 1950 there were 3-5 per category. Between 1953-1955, there were again no nominees in the categories, and starting in 1956, there were at least five contenders for each prize.
There has only been one instance of a tie in the category for Best Film Drama, when in 1948 “Johnny Belinda” and “The Treasure of the Sierra Madre” both took home the prize. In every other instance, there has only been one victor.
“Midnight Express” (1978) and “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” (1975) hold the record for most wins among dramatic contenders with six prizes each. Following close behind with five victories apiece are “Doctor Zhivago” (1965), “Love Story” (1970), and “The Godfather” (1972). All of those titles also won the award for Best Film Drama.
Tour through our photo gallery to see which films won the Golden Globe for Best Film Drama. And be on the watch soon for our gallery featuring all of the comedy/musical winners in advance of the upcoming 75th anniversary of the Golden Globes.
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