Oscars: 10 Films That Should Have Won Best Picture (But Didn't)

Always wanted to be a gangster? Goodfellas has you covered. Martin Scorsese skips his way with glee through Copacabana clubs, impromptu burials, and fake Sicilian initiation ceremonies. While Scorsese has had many nominations thrown his way, it is Goodfellas that lays heavy on the heart as Joe Pesci's legendary performance wasn’t even enough to intimidate a win for Best Film out of the Academy.

The bustling mania of the gangster’s world had its fair share of iconic dialogue and impressive cinematography; all complimented by a cut-throat story and excellent performances from Pesci, Ray Liotta, and Robert Di Niro. Yet it wasn’t enough to win the big prize, losing out to the near-four-hour American frontier drama, Dances with Wolves.

Likely due to a lack of tougher themes being tackled, Goodfellas undeservedly lost to the overlong Kevin Costner vehicle. Scorsese’s wrangling of a decades-spanning story into a fast paced, cohesive and expertly told epic in itself made this film a commendable pick for the Best Picture Oscar.