8. Saving Private Ryan
What Won Instead: Shakespeare in Love 1998 was the first time I had ever heard of Harvey Weinstein. He famously made the Oscar campaign what it is today. Some say he single handedly was able to secure a Best Picture win for Shakespeare in Love. Is it a bad film? No. But again, to my earlier point, how many times have you seen this film? Have you seen this film? Did you know Gwenyth Paltrow won an Oscar for this movie? Did you know Gwenyth Paltrow won an Oscar? The first ten minutes of Saving Private Ryan is the Best Picture of 1998. Spielberg is a director that releases great Oscar worthy movies so often, that hell get a nomination but theyll give it to someone who needs it (see: Jaws, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Munich, and Lincoln). Tom Hanks channels the best parts of his Henry Fonda-like charm and vulnerability and gives one of the defining performances of his career. Spielberg actually makes you care about Vin Diesels character. They did award Spielberg with the Best Director trophy for Saving Private Ryan, however the Best Picture statue went to a film where a famous historical figure overcomes a personal obstacle and does something greatsound familiar?