10 Oscar Winning Performances That Are Actually Terrible

5. Gwyneth Paltrow - Shakespeare In Love

Shakespeare In Love Gwyneth Paltrow
Universal

A lot of film fans have a chip on their shoulder about how well Shakespeare in Love performed at the Oscars - namely beating out Saving Private Ryan for Best Picture - but even on its own demerits, Gwyneth Paltrow's Best Actress win is a bit of a shambles.

A mediocre comedy performance that's basically charming at most, it's just tough to see what Oscar voters were smoking with this one beyond buying into Harvey Weinstein's aggressive awards chicanery.

Cate Blanchett (Elizabeth) and Emily Watson (Hilary and Jackie) both gave far stronger performances, but sadly went home empty handed.

As if that wasn't bad enough, Paltrow gave a legendarily awful, sobbing acceptance speech, and after sitting through three minutes of her ugly-crying, Oscar voters might've wished their better instincts had won out.

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Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.