Ranking What Was Really The Best Film Of Every Year 1990-2021
20. 2002 - City Of God
Actually won: Chicago.
For the second year in a row, the real Beat Picture winner wasn't even nominated for the award. Instead, it fell into the hands of Chicago, which beat out such heavy-hitters as Gangs of New York, The Two Towers, and The Pianist.
None of these nominees were as accomplished and affecting as the Brazilian crime drama City of God, though, a disturbing, resonant portrayal of life in Rio de Janeiro slums that is as violent as it emotionally raw, confrontational and innovative.
It's not the kind of film the Academy would ever go for - it's far too bleak and brutal - but it remains one of their biggest snubs all the same.