1929 Broadway Tune
In 1929, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Prize was awarded for the first time, but musicals were not allowed to participate. But already in 1930 the best film of the year was Broadway Tune, directed by Harry Beaumont. It was a classic love story, an incendiary vaudeville about two sisters who arrived to conquer Broadway. Despite the fact that critics spoke more about the musical in a negative way, this did not prevent him from receiving the highest award. Not the last role in this was played by the show in the “Broadway Melody” of the backstage life of Broadway actors.
The Great Siegfeld
In 1937, the musical The Great Siegfeld received three Oscars at once, including as the best film of 1936. In addition, starring Louise Rainer received the Best Actress Award, and Seymour Felix received the Best Choreography Award. Characteristically, the film itself tells the real story of the life and success of Broadway showman Florenz Siegfeld.
“Go your own way”
This musical was presented to participate in the competition in ten categories at once, having managed to win in seven of them and becoming the best film of 1944. Director Leo McCarey managed to show a sentimental movie in an unusual perspective, combining romantic moments with harsh reality, and add a bit of sadness to subtle jokes. It should be remembered that in the center of the plot is religion and attitude to it.
“American in Paris”
This musical became the winner of the Oscar in 1952 in six categories, including as the best film. In addition, the American in Paris won the Golden Globe Award. The musical love story of the former American soldier Jerry and the Frenchwoman Lisa was so touching and soulful that she could not help but touch the hearts of both the audience and critics.
“Manure”
Nine Oscar awards, including for the best film, became a worthy recognition of the merits of director Vincent Minnelli and the entire film crew of an amazing musical. The simple story, telling about the love of a simple girl and a rich man, although it resembles the fairy tale “Cinderella”, but does not leave people indifferent to it. It seems that in this film the director found the perfect combination of drama and music, humor and romance, generously adding all this with bright colors and forcing the audience to empathize with the heroes.
West Side Story
The eternally lively and relevant history of Romeo and Juliet in the modern interpretation was simply doomed to success. The best film of the year and nine more Academy Award winners speak for themselves. And three more Golden Globe Awards and a Grammy Award for Best Soundtrack. But the main award of the film was, of course, the incredible interest of the audience, who revised this musical several times.
“My beautiful lady”
The premiere on Broadway of this musical with starring Julie Andrews took place in 1956, and her success was simply incredible. Tickets for the play were sold out six months in advance. However, many fans of the Broadway production were frankly disappointed to learn that Audrey Hepburn would star in the movie version as Eliza. But the musical itself exceeded all expectations, becoming the best film and winning seven more Oscars in 1965.
“Sounds of music”
A year later, after the fantastic success of “My Fair Lady”, another musical “Sounds of Music” was released, the main role in which was played by the favorite of the audience Julie Andrews. It was a movie version of the popular Broadway production based on the book by Maria von Trapp, Family of Singers von Trapp. Five musical Oscars (including for the best film), the Golden Globe Award and many other awards and awards received by the film crew speak of the success of the musical.
“Oliver!”
The musical Lionel Barth, based on the novel “The Adventures of Oliver Twist” by Charles Dickens, became in 1969 the owner of six Oscars from the twelve nominations for which he was declared, and was recognized as the best film of the year. Only one fact speaks of the quality of work: the actors for five months rehearsed day after day even before the filming process began.