Did They Get it Right? – Best Picture – Oscars 1957

Here are the five nominees: (Winner in Bold)

12 Angry Men

The Bridge on the River Kwai

Peyton Place

Sayanora

Witness For the Prosecution

Biggest Snub:

Paths of Glory

My Overall Thoughts:

Another superb year of nominees for Best Picture.

Four of the five films are done exceptionally well and have great messages and any of them could be considered BP in any given year, but unfortunately for 3 of them Kwai is perhaps Lean’s finest work and the epic scale of the story is unmatched among the other nominees.

My Rankings:

Movies

5. – Sayonara -Very interesting story that helps shed light on unjust Armed Forces regulations during the Korean War. Great cast especially Buttons and Umeki who both won Oscars for their roles. Despite all this, this movie hasn’t aged so well.
4. – Peyton Place – Great character study of how small town life is similar to big town life yet harder to keep secrets when everyone knows each other. The characters are all developed extremely well and we easily can relate to all of them and to their predicaments. Tame by today’s standards yet extremely scandalous when it was made.
3. – Witness for the Prosecution – Laughton is amazing here as the barrister. Expertly written by Christie because they keep hitting us with more and more surprises as things keep moving. One of the best courtroom dramas ever filmed because it is done so well. Definitely deserved the Best Picture Nomination but it was such a strong year that even an amazing film like this didn’t have much of a chance.
2. – 12 Angry Men – Excellent movie that despite taking place in one room is very engaging and keep you on the edge of your seat with some amazing dialogue. Every one of the characters has a unique personality and were written perfectly. Many organizations use this movie to help train their employees in team work and conflict resolutions. Amazing cast led by an exceptional Fonda.
1. – The Bridge on the River Kwai – One of the very best war movies ever because it shows us the brutality, humanity and heroism of it all. Superb cast led by 3 very talented actors. Loved how they tell two stories that come together, diverge and then ultimately reunite for the spectacular finale.