After a year’s wait, the 97th Academy Awards are inching closer second by second, which means every A-lister gathering and gala leading up to Hollywood’s biggest night is nothing but a subtle reminder of what awaits. As Hollywood’s elite runs on caffeine high, jumping from one venue to the next, with the ever-packed Tinseltown programs before the nail-biting announcement “…and the Oscar goes to…,”
the hubbub surrounding the new prompts a quick trip down the Academy’s archives. While the Oscars make history every year, Ang Lee’s first Oscar win was more than historic; it was groundbreaking.
Not only was it ahead of its time but even in hindsight, it proves how bold Lee was in dedicating his victory to those society had cast aside.
Award seasons tend to illuminate Hollywood highlights, irrespective of whether the world is prepared or not. When Ang Lee clinched his first-ever Oscar win with his neo-Western queer film, Brokeback Mountain
, almost two decades ago, he took center stage and did not even flinch
. Showering his gratitude to Ennis and Jack, portrayed by Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, who highlighted the queers “whose love is denied,”
Lee thanked them for emphasizing the “greatness of love itself.”
Lee seized the opportunity to thank the Academy members and the crew of Brokeback Mountain
, who made him the first person of color to win the Best Director award. As the Academy Awards once again prepares to see the red carpet roll out and A-listers flock the Dolby Theatre
, this revisit brings the memory of when Lee stopped time on his own. The films Lee outshined to win the Oscar are Bennett Miller’s Capote
, Paul Haggis’ Crash
, George Clooney’s Good Night, and Good Luck,
and Steven Spielberg’s Munich
.
While this reminiscence was quite an historic trail down memory lane, for the ones planning to watch it now, here is everything you need to know about Brokeback Mountain
.
Plot, and cast of Ang Lee’s Oscar-winning Brokeback Mountain
Brokeback Mountain
is a 2005 neo-Western romantic drama flick by Ang Lee. Produced by Diana Ossana and James Schamus, and screenplay written by Ossana and Larry McMurty, it is adapted from Annie Proulx’s 1997 short story. The film follows a complex but romantic union of two American cowboys, Ennis Del Mar, and Jack Twist, from 1963 to 1983. Focus Features and River Road Entertainment joined forces to produce and distribute the flick.
“I wish I knew how to quit you.”
Ang Lee’s “Brokeback Mountain” received Oscar nominations at the 78th Academy Awards for Lead Actor, Supporting Actor, Supporting Actress, Cinematography, Best Picture and won Directing, Original Score and Adapted Screenplay. pic.twitter.com/EC3d8iNU0S
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) October 11, 2022
The film was a massive blockbuster, grossing $178.1 million out of a mere budget of $14 million. It features a star-studded ensemble including Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Williams, Anne Hathaway, Randy Quaid, Linda Cardellini, and Anna Faris. Additional cast members include David Harbour, Roberta Maxwell, Peter McRobbie, Kate Mara, Scott Michael Campbell, Graham Beckel, Mary Liboiron, Larry Reese and Marty Antonini.
What do you think of Ang Lee’s historic Oscar speech? Let us know in the comments below!
