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What made the win particularly striking was how little Hackman resembled the classic image of a movie star.
He appeared gruff, unglamorous, and intensely human—a working-class figure driven by obsession rather than charm. His victory felt less like a celebration of celebrity and more like recognition of commitment to craft.
Hackman later reflected on the demanding nature of the production, describing long shoots in harsh winter conditions and the relentless pressure Friedkin placed on the cast.
His comments underscored how different the film was from traditional studio projects. It was physically exhausting, emotionally draining, and creatively challenging—and those qualities were exactly what gave the performance its authenticity.
In hindsight, Hackman’s win feels inevitable, but at the time it represented a clear break from the polished personas that had long dominated Oscar stages.
Looking at the broader field of nominees that year further reveals how fluid the definition of “important cinema” had become.
A Clockwork Orange, directed by Stanley Kubrick, stood as one of the most provocative films ever nominated for Best Picture.
Violent, stylized, and morally unsettling, it divided audiences and critics alike, yet its influence on cinema was undeniable.
Its presence among the nominees suggested that the Academy was willing—at least briefly—to acknowledge films that challenged comfort and convention.
With its sweeping musical numbers, emotional depth, and traditional storytelling, it reminded audiences that large-scale, heartfelt productions still had the power to move viewers.
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