9. Rocky Over Taxi Driver, All the President’s Men, & Network (1977)
At the 49th Academy Awards in 1977, ‘Rocky’ clinched Best Picture, surpassing critically acclaimed films like ‘Taxi Driver,’ ‘All the President’s Men,’ and ‘Network.’ Directed by John G. Avildsen and written by Sylvester Stallone, ‘Rocky’ was a sleeper hit that resonated with audiences, leading to its unexpected victory. This outcome sparked discussions about the Academy’s preference for uplifting narratives over more cerebral dramas. For more insights, refer to this article from Time Magazine: Oscars 1977: ‘Rocky’ Wins Best Picture.
