11 Directors Who Won Oscars For Completely The Wrong Movie

1. Frank Capra

Won For... It Happened One Night, Mr Deeds Goes To Town & You Can't Take It With You

Should Have Won For... It's A Wonderful Life

It's one of Hollywood's great, fortuitous tragedies that It's A Wonderful Life was cast off when it was first released. But the critical apathy that met its release wasn't universal and nor was it entirely reflective of its appreciation. Otherwise, it wouldn't have been nominated for five Academy Awards (unsuccessfully) as well as being given a special technical achievement for inventing a new way of simulating snow on screen.

But while the Golden Globes recognised Capra's achievements in directing, he didn't win the Oscar he should have (not just over his other three wins, but also legitimately over the rest of 1946's contenders). And that simply isn't right.

While affection for the film has grown hugely since the 70s, watching it now it's impossible to not feel Capra all over it, in the tone that wanders from bleak to heart-bursting triumph and in the way the story tumbles on gathering weight. It's sublime, simple, sentamental film-making at its very best.

Which other directors won Oscars for entirely the wrong film? Share your suggestions below in the comments thread.