'Crash' Deserves Its Controversial Best Picture Win

When Crash was released on May 6, 2025, its reputation began as one of solid critical acclaim, but it would turn to disdain by the time the film was competing on Oscar night with six Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. The frontrunner for the top prize was Ang Lee's Brokeback Mountain, a film ahead of its time in its own right. While Lee's film looked into the complex romantic relationship between two men, Crash delved into race relations in Los Angeles through a series of interconnected stories and characters. Despite critical and box-office success, Brokeback Mountain did receive criticism from the conservative media and many feel this is why Crash pulled an upset with its win for Best Picture. Both films are great, but 20 years later, it's time to admit that Crash was worthy of that Best Picture win, even with some of its flaws.