They prove its possible to play the game and still come out as worthy winners.

It also sheds light on Thatchers later years as she contemplates her past and faces the challenges of aging.

The film was nominated for Best Actress for Streep and Best Makeup and Hairstyling, winning both.

Birdman flying behind Riggan as he walks down the street in Birdman.

Courtesy of Fox Searchlight Pictures

The move was right as she won the trophy, avoiding the crowded Best Actress race.

The film was met with critical acclaim upon its release.

Stories about old Hollywood are sure to get the Oscar voters' attention.

Margaret Thatcher, standing in a crowd of people holding signs in The Iron Lady

Image via 20th Century Studios

Added with vintage black and white visuals and biographical structure,The Artistwas aimed for awards glory.

Despite its Oscar-friendly qualities, the moviewon the hearts of audiences and criticsalike.

Its decision to embrace silent cinema in a modern context was bold and refreshing.

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World War II and the Holocaust are one of the surefire themes to win an Oscar.

ButJojo Rabbitmanaged to balance humor with heavy themes, making it more than just Oscar bait.

The performances, particularly from young Roman Griffin Davis and an Oscar-nominated Scarlett Johansson, were exceptional.

Eddie Redmayne and Alicia Vikander in The Danish Girl

Image via Focus Features

It went home with Best Actor for Oldman and Best Makeup and Hairstyling.

Some detractors saidit’s a standard biopic, butDarkest Hourcements itself as a memorable piece of historical filmmaking.

The film won one Oscar for Best Actor out of its five nominations at the 87th Academy Awards.

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A self-referential tale about the struggles of an artist,Birdmansounds like prime Oscar bait.

However, the film elevates itself with itsaudacious style and raw emotional depth.

NEXT:10 Most Contrived Oscar Bait Movies, Ranked

Poppy looking at a dog in The Artist

Image via Warner Bros.

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Imaginary Adolf Hitler sitting beside Jojo in the forest in Jojo Rabbit

Image via Searchlight Pictures

Jojo Rabbit Movie Poster

Gary Oldman addresses the nation as Winston Churchill in ‘Darkest Hour’

Image via Focus Features

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Jane and Stephen Hawking talking at a party in The Theory of Everything

Image via Universal Pictures

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Daniel Day-Lewis sitting on a rocking chair on a porch as Abraham Lincoln in Lincoln

Image via Dreamworks Pictures

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Lionel Logue holding up a microphone for King George VI, who is reading from a green book in The King’s Speech

Image via Paramount Pictures

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Michael Keaton as Riggan Thomson, walking down the street as Birdman follows behind him in Birdman

Image via Fox Searchlight Pictures

Birdman Movie Poster

Michael Keaton, Rachel McAdams and Brian Darcy review newspaper clippings as reporters for the Boston Globe in Spotlight

Image via Open Road Films

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The Artist

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