25 Things You Didn't Know About The Shawshank Redemption

23. It Didn't Win A Single Oscar

The Shawshank Redemption Morgan Freeman Tim Robbins
Columbia Pictures

Even though The Shawshank Redemption is often regarded as one of the greatest films ever made - even holding the #1 spot on the IMDB Top 250 - it curiously went home totally empty-handed at the 1995 Academy Awards.

While the film was nominated for seven Oscars - including Best Picture, Best Actor (Morgan Freeman), and Best Adapted Screenplay - it was unfortunate enough to release in a heavyweight year, facing stiff competition from both Pulp Fiction and especially Forrest Gump, with the latter winning six Oscars, including Best Picture.

If you (somehow) required any more proof that gold statues - or a lack thereof - doesn't mean squat, here it is. No offense to Forrest Gump, of course.

Advertisement
Contributor
Contributor

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.