Movies Tied for Most Oscar Wins
Discover the top three movies that share the record for the most Oscar wins in history.
Every year, the Academy Awards highlight the best films from the previous year. But which movie holds the record for the most Oscars won? While the focus is often on the big celebrity winners like Best Actor/Actress or Director, it's important not to forget about the other categories. In fact, there are 23 categories in total that honor everything from sound to costumes to art direction - all the elements that contribute to making a great movie.
Over the years, the number of Oscars categories has changed. In 2020, for example, Sound Editing and Sound Mixing were combined into one sound category. Academy changes like these can sometimes spark controversy. Despite some dark moments in its history, the Oscars remain a significant part of Hollywood's legacy. While a variety of genres have been recognized at the Oscars, the movies that tend to sweep the categories share a few common traits: high production value, top-tier actors, and acclaimed directors. Interestingly, the record for the most Oscar wins by a single movie is currently held by three films in a tie.
Ben-Hur (1959) - 11 Wins
The chariot race in Ben Hur 1959 - Ben-Hur (1959) - 11 Wins
Category | Winner |
Best Actor | Charlton Heston |
Best Director | William Wyler |
Best Music Score of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture | Miklos Rozsa |
Best Costume Design | Elizabeth Haffenden |
Best Color Art Direction | Hugh Hunt, William A. Horning, & Edward Carfagno |
Best Film Editing | Ralph E. Winters & John D. Dunning |
Best Sound | Franklin E. Milton |
Best Cinematography | Robert L. Surtees |
Special Effects | Robert MacDonald, A. Arnold Gillespie, & Milo Lory |
Best Motion Picture | Sam Zimbalist |
Best Supporting Actor | Hugh Griffith |
Ben-Hur featured Charlton Heston as Judah Ben-Hur, Jack Hawkins as Quintus Arrius, and Haya Harareet as Esther. The story follows the journey of Judah, a Jewish prince who was betrayed by his adopted brother and forced into slavery. To regain his freedom, Judah challenged his brother to a thrilling chariot race. One of the most iconic scenes in cinematic history, the race was meticulously crafted with an 18-acre track, 18 chariots, and imported sand from Mexico. It remains a standout moment in the film, showcasing the dedication to detail and action that set Ben-Hur apart from other movies.
"Titanic (1997) - 11 Wins"
Titanic, released in 1997, was a huge success, winning a total of 11 Academy Awards. It was a costly film to produce, with a budget of $200 million, primarily due to its use of multiple locations, cutting-edge special effects, and attention to detail in costume design. The movie remains a classic, with its iconic love story and tragic sinking of the ship captivating audiences worldwide.
Jack holding Rose from behind as she holds her arms out wide in Titanic. - Titanic (1997) - 11 Wins
Category | Winner |
|---|---|
Best Director | James Cameron |
Best Picture | James Cameron & Jon Landau |
Best Original Song | "My Heart Will Go On" by James Horner & Will Jennings |
Best Cinematography | Russell Carpenter |
Best Film Editing | James Cameron, Conrad Buff, & Richard A. Harris |
Best Original Score | James Horner |
Best Sound | Gary Rydstrom, Gary Summers, Mark Ulano, & Tom Johnson |
Best Sound Effects Editing | Tom Bellfort & Christopher Boyes |
Best Art Direction | Peter Lamont & Michael Ford |
Best Costume Design | Deborah L. Scott |
Best Visual Effects | Robert Legato, Michael Kanfer, Mark Lasoff, & Thomas L. Fisher |
The movie Titanic, starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Jack Dawson and Kate Winslet as Rose DeWitt Bukater, was adored worldwide for its romantic storyline, stunning cinematography, and attention to historical accuracy. Despite coming from different backgrounds, the two characters found love on the grand ship. As the tragedy unfolded and the Titanic sank, their love story captured the hearts of audiences everywhere. Even today, Titanic remains a beloved masterpiece.
The film received high praise for the chemistry between DiCaprio and Winslet, as well as the realistic depiction of the Titanic itself. It went on to become one of the highest-grossing movies in history, earning $2.19 billion at the box office (as reported by USA Today). In 1998, Titanic won 11 Academy Awards, and in 2007, it was recognized as one of the Best American Films of All Time by the American Film Institute (AFI). The movie was also added to the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress in 2017 for its cultural significance.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return Of The King (2003) - 11 Wins
The Lord of the Rings The Return of the King 2 - The Lord of the Rings: The Return Of The King (2003) - 11 Wins
Category | Winner |
|---|---|
Best Director | Peter Jackson |
Best Picture | Peter Jackson, Barrie M. Osborne & Fran Walsh |
Best Adapted Screenplay | Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, & Philippa Boyens |
Best Original Song | "Into the West" by Fran Walsh, Annie Lennox, & Howard Shore |
Best Visual Effects | Joe Letteri, Jim Rygiel, Alex Funke, & Randall William Cook |
Best Costume Design | Ngila Dickson & Richard Taylor |
Best Film Editing | Jamie Selkirk |
Best Original Score | Howard Shore |
Best Art Direction | Alan Lee, Grant Major, & Dan Hennah |
Best Sound Mixing | Michael Hedges, Christopher Boyes, Hammond Peek, & Michael Semanick |
Best Makeup | Richard Taylor & Peter King |
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King marked the end of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, which was based on J. R. R. Tolkien's novels. This final installment set a record at the Oscars with 11 wins, a remarkable achievement given that none of the talented cast, which included Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, and Viggo Mortensen, received acting nominations. The movie continued the journey of Frodo (played by Wood) and his companions as they made their way to Mount Doom to destroy the One Ring and ultimately bring an end to its power.
West Side Story (1961) - 10 Wins
The winner of the Best Picture award was not only a massive hit at the box office, earning $1.1 billion (according to Box Office Mojo), but it also became the most successful film in its franchise. Despite the common belief that big fantasy movies do well financially but not necessarily in award shows, Return of the King's Oscar victories were truly thrilling.
Gangsters dancing in the 1961 version of West Side Story - West Side Story (1961) - 10 Wins
Category | Winner |
|---|---|
Best Picture | Robert Wise |
Best Director | Robert Wise & Jerome Robbins |
Best Supporting Actress | Rita Moreno |
Best Supporting Actor | George Chakiris |
Best Film Editing | Thomas Stanford |
Best Costume Design | Irene Sharaff |
Best Cinematography | Daniel L. Fapp |
Best Original Score | Johnny Green, Irwin Kostal, Saul Chaplin, & Sid Ramin |
Best Sound | Fred Hynes & Gordon E. Sawyer |
Best Art Direction-Set Decoration | Boris Leven & Victor A. Gangelin |
West Side Story (1961) may not have won as many Oscars as Titanic, Ben-Hur, and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, but it comes in a close second with 11 wins. The musical follows the story of star-crossed lovers Maria (Natalie Wood) and Tony (Richard Beymer) who face obstacles due to their families' rival gangs. Tony takes a stand for their love to end the conflict, making it a timeless classic preserved by the US National Film Registry for its cultural significance and impact in Hollywood.
What sets these films apart from others in terms of Oscars are their original screenplays and stunning cinematography. Best Picture nominees at the Oscars transport audiences into captivating worlds with their scripts and visuals. It's a tough challenge for any movie to match the caliber of these iconic films. Ben-Hur, released over 60 years ago, remains a powerhouse at the Academy Awards. Following West Side Story, other movies with high Oscar wins include The English Patient (1996), Gigi (1958), and The Last Emperor (1987), each with nine wins.
Editor's P/S:
The Academy Awards, an esteemed celebration of cinematic excellence, have witnessed a plethora of extraordinary films throughout its illustrious history. Three movies, Ben-Hur (1959), Titanic (1997), and The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003), stand out as the most decorated, each claiming an impressive 11 Oscars.
Their triumphs are a testament to the power of captivating storytelling, exceptional technical prowess, and the collective brilliance of the filmmaking teams involved. From the epic grandeur of Ben-Hur to the poignant romance of Titanic and the immersive fantasy of The Lord of the Rings, these films have left an enduring mark on cinema, inspiring and captivating audiences worldwide. Their Oscar victories serve as a fitting recognition of their artistry and enduring legacy.
