Best Picture 1934: It Happened One Night

Best Picture 1934: It Happened One Night

It Happened One Night was the first film to win Best Actor, Actress, Director, Screenplay, and Picture. Watch original trailer, play with vintage Claudette Colbert paper dolls, and read original reviews of the romantic comedy.

The Grand Hotel, 1932

The Grand Hotel, 1932

The Grand Hotel film, 1932: Behind the Scenes pictures, trivia, video from the premier, the 5th Academy Awards & the 1st ever Mickey Mouse cartoon in Technicolor.

Cimarron, 1931 – 1932

Cimarron, 1931 – 1932

Cimarron was the 4th Best Picture Winner in 1931/32. Based on a popular Edna Ferber novel, the RKO movie was the 1st Western ever to win. With vintage news articles, movie reviews, and never before linked images of the cast visiting the White House, Cimarron and the story it tells is examined through a modern lens.

All Quiet on the Western Front, 1930

All Quiet on the Western Front, 1930

In Berlin, on the evening of December 5, 1930, at the Mozart Hall, a sold out showing of All Quiet on the Western Front is about to begin. This is the German premiere of the movie that has already won Best Picture in America. "Ten minutes into the performance, a small, dark haired, man arose from his front row balcony seat and stalked up the darkened aisle toward the exit. This man, Joseph Goebbels, was giving a signal to the Nazis that had packed the seats and were patiently awaiting their signal.. They rose and began chanting "Judenfilm, Judenfilm!" They threw stink bombs and released mice into the theater...

The Broadway Melody, 1929

The Broadway Melody, 1929

The Broadway Melody was the 2nd Best Picture winner. Dozens of vintage ads, critiques, video and audio come together to bring the history of America before the Great Depression to life.

The Best Picture Project: Wings, 1928

The Best Picture Project: Wings, 1928

Wings was America's first chance to see the world from the air. Combined with Clara Bow's star power, the film won the first Best Picture Oscar. Vintage ads and articles clipped from the Library of Congress give a new look at the legendary film.

Introducing: The Best Picture History Project

Introducing: The Best Picture History Project

The Best Picture History Project started as an inexpensive date night idea. We decided to watch every Academy Award Best Picture winner in order. It quickly turned into an entirely new understanding of America, her history, and her people's priorities and culture shifts throughout the years. I've studied American history my entire life and have [...]