10 forgotten Oscars winners, from Hilary Swank to Mira Sorvino
Geoffrey Macnab remembers those award-winning actors unkindly forgotten by cinemagoers
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.An Oscar is supposed to be the ultimate accolade. If you have one next to your name, you’re “made” for life. That is why speeches are so emotional.
When Gwyneth Paltrow gushes or Roberto Benigni clambers over the backs of the audience to reach the stage, or Sally Field seems so overcome that people actually like her, it is because they realise the significance of what they have achieved.
“When I look down at this golden statue, may it remind me and every little child, that no matter where you're from, your dreams are valid,” Lupita Nyong’o famously declared after winning her Academy Award for 12 Years a Slave.
New roles will become available for actors who have the statuette on their mantlepiece. Producers whose pictures have won Oscars will find it that much easier to secure financing for future projects. The awards don’t just help you get bookings in popular restaurants. They provide opportunities for careers to blossom.
That, at least, is the theory. Look back at Oscar history, though, and you’ll see a surprising number of examples of former winners who’ve either faded into anonymity or seen their careers wobble and unwind.
Follow along with all the latest Oscars coverage from The Independent here.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments