Guillermo del Toro has described Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas as a perfect film, yet it lost the Best Picture Oscar to Kevin Costner’s Dances With Wolves in 1991. The surprising Academy decision favored Costner’s Western epic over the groundbreaking gangster drama, sparking debate among cinephiles and filmmakers alike.
The 1991 Oscars and Why Dances With Wolves Took the Spotlight
The 63rd Academy Awards saw Kevin Costner’s Dances With Wolves triumph with seven wins from twelve nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director. This sweeping historical drama, centered on a Union soldier’s immersion in Lakota Sioux culture, resonated with voters through its emotional storytelling and expansive period setting.
Costner’s dual role as both lead actor and first-time director added to the film’s appeal, presenting an underdog narrative that often gains favor with Academy members. Its themes of reconciliation, hope, and cultural understanding matched the sentimental preferences of many voters, contrasting sharply with Goodfellas’ harsh and provocative tone.
Scorsese’s gangster epic, marked by graphic violence and extensive profanity, challenged traditional storytelling and pushed boundaries. While critics lauded the film’s artistry, many older Academy voters found it unsettling and less accessible, resulting in Goodfellas securing only the Best Supporting Actor award for Joe Pesci.
Guillermo del Toro’s Admiration for Goodfellas and Its Lasting Impact
Years after the Oscars, Goodfellas has cemented itself as a landmark in cinematic history, influencing generations of filmmakers including Guillermo del Toro. Speaking to Far Out Magazine, del Toro praised the film, stating,
“A movie that can be rewatched endlessly and remains fresh and surprising. Perfect in every aspect, behind and in front of the camera.” —Guillermo del Toro, Filmmaker
He also remarked on its profound innovation, claiming Scorsese’s work,
“birth to the 21st century in one of the most influential films of the last two decades.” —Guillermo del Toro, Filmmaker
Goodfellas redefined crime storytelling through its non-linear structure and immersive direction. The film’s raw portrayal of mob life, from its frenetic opening to its intense finale, offered a fresh perspective that reshaped cinematic narrative techniques and remains widely studied by film students today.
The Ongoing Debate Over the Academy’s Choice and What It Reveals
The Oscar decision to honor Dances With Wolves over Goodfellas continues to provoke discussion about the Academy’s sensibilities and tastes in 1991. Costner’s approachable, heartfelt Western appealed to voters seeking emotionally uplifting stories, while Scorsese’s raw, edgy crime drama challenged conventional norms.
This contrast highlights a broader tension between artistic innovation and mainstream acceptance, illustrating why Goodfellas, despite its critical acclaim and influence, ultimately lost to a film aligned more closely with traditional Academy values. Nevertheless, both movies have left an enduring mark on the film industry.
For viewers interested in experiencing these classics, Goodfellas is available on Peacock Premium, while Dances With Wolves can be streamed on Pluto TV in the USA.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How much money did Kevin Costner get per episode of Yellowstone?
A. Kevin Costner, who is John Dutton on the show, makes an impressive $1.2 million for each episode. At that time, this made him the top-paid TV actor ever.
Lee Dutton, the oldest son of John, unexpectedly died in the first episode, which surprised many viewers.
Q. Did Kevin Costner like Alan Rickman?
A. Although Alan Rickman worked hard to improve Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, his actions reportedly made Kevin Costner, one of the main actors, feel overshadowed and upset.
