In the cinematographic scenario, achieving a Oscar It’s the golden dream for many productions. However, achieving the extraordinary feat of collecting 11 statuettes in a single ceremony is a rare feat.
The history of cinema records only three features that achieved this remarkable feat, elevating them to the category of legends of the seventh art.
‘Ben-Hur’
In 1959, ‘Ben-Hur’, directed by William Wyler, marked an era by winning 11 awards out of 12 nominations.
Set in Ancient Rome, the epic production, starring Charlton Heston, tells the story of Judah Ben-Hur, a nobleman unjustly accused of treason.
With its impressive chariot racing scenes, the film became a landmark of classic cinematography, winning over not only the public but also critics.
‘Ben-Hur’, classic from 1959 – Image: MGM/Reproduction
For those who don’t know, chariot racing is a sport with roots in Ancient Rome. Such competitions involved horse-drawn two-wheeled chariots known as chariots and were one of the most popular attractions in ancient Roman arenas.
‘Titanic’
Years later, in 1997, James Cameron introduced the world to ‘Titanic’, an epic love story that unfolded aboard the legendary ship.
The blockbuster starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet not only became a box office phenomenon, but also won 11 Oscars out of 14 nominations.
With innovative visual effects for the time, the work is still remembered as one of the biggest hits in the history of cinema.
Striking and controversial scene from ‘Titanic’, directed by James Cameron – Image: 20th Century Fox/Reproduction
‘The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King’
The last feature in the ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy arrived in 2003 — ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King’, directed by Peter Jackson.
The epic and fantastic film not only consolidated the trilogy based on Tolkien’s works, but also made history by winning all 11 categories for which it was nominated.
The work took home the prize for Best movie and even broke barriers by becoming the first fantasy film to gain such recognition.
In ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King’, Middle Earth faces its final battle against the dark forces of Sauron.
‘Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King’ (2003) – Image: Warner Bros. Pictures/Reproduction
The journey of Frodo and Sam culminates in epic moments, with grandiose battles and intense emotions. The film’s magnitude resonated with fantasy fans, as well as receiving the Academy’s highest honor.
Today, these three films remain the only ones in the history of cinema to achieve the distinction of 11 statuettes in a single Oscar ceremony.
A monumental achievement that immortalizes such masterpieces as undisputed references in the cinematic trajectory.
For film lovers who want to relive the grandeur of ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King’, the streaming platform Max (formerly HBO Max) offers the opportunity to get lost in Middle Earth once again.
