Argo (2012)
The 2012 film Argo was not necessarily unworthy of an Oscar win. The film was a captivating retelling of 1979 American hostage scenario in Iran.
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And while director and star Ben Affleck received high praise for his performance, many people thought the Oscar win was surprising considering other films in the category. Some argued that Lincoln was far more deserving of the win.
Gwenyth Paltrow for Shakespeare in Love (1998)
The 1998 Oscars ceremony was full of surprising wins and losses. The Saving Private Ryan snub is still one of the most shocking. Among others, Gwenyth Paltrow’s win for Best Actress in the film Shakespeare in Love produced by Harvey Weinstein.
Source: IMDb
Many people believed that she only won due to Weinstein’s aggressive campaigning for the award.
Renée Zellweger in Cold Mountain (2003)
Renée Zellweger earned her spot as one of America’s sweethearts in the early 2000s. She was consistently nominated for Oscars between 2002 and 2004.
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But her win as Best Supporting Actress in Cold Mountain had people scratching their heads. It didn’t hold a candle to Holly Hunter’s performance in Thirteen the same year.
Jennifer Hudson in Dreamgirls (2007)
Among the most confusing Oscar wins was Jennifer Hudson’s Best Supporting Actress award in Dreamgirls. The overall consensus of her performance was that it was “fine”.
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It had very little to do with acting and rather centered around her singing. While obviously talented, the performance was far from Oscar-worthy. Especially considering Abigail Breslin’s impressive performance in Little Miss Sunshine was that same year.