#Bales2023FilmChallenge March 12: the #AcademyAwardForBestPicture on #OscarNight is…

not the #film that won the first grand price at that first #Oscar night in 1929, F.W. Murnau's Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans (1927).

Sunrise was bestowed the award for “Best Unique and Artistic Picture”. The first and last time that ever happened; in 1930, the price was scrapped and replaced by “Outstanding Picture” aka “Best Picture”. And that one went to the much more American-patriotic Wings.

Also rightfully awarded in '29 were Janet Gaynor (Best Actress in a Leading Role), Charles Rosher and Karl Struss (Best #Cinematography), while Rochus Gliese was nominated for Best #ArtDirection.

Sunrise is a fantastic tour de force, and it winning that award should make you feel hopeful for the future of cinema. Instead, the current list of nominees and winners is, at least to me, a checklist of what to avoid for ever.

#Murnau #AcademyAwards #Oscars #FilmHistory @film https://letterboxd.com/12pt9/list/bales2023filmchallenge