Oscar fever: 20 sports movies that won the Oscar or were nominated

The Pride of the Yankees

The movie is based on the life of a sports personality, Lou Gehrig, who received hero worship all through his country. The player died at a tender age of 38, 17 days short of his next birthday and the entire nation was grief stricken. Film editor, Daniel Mandell, won an Academy award for his work in the film.

The Longest Yard (1974)

Partly comedy and partly drama, the movie is about a group of prisoners led by Paul Crewe (played by Burt Reynolds) who play American Football against the prison guards for their freedom. It was nominated for one Oscar.

The Champ (1931)

Winning two Oscars in 1932, Best Actor in a Leading Role for Wallace Beery and Best Writing, Original Story, the movie is based on the life of an alcoholic boxer who tries to put things together for the sake of his only son.

The Hustler

An American drama film that narrates the story of a small time pool player and his dream of becoming one of the best in his country which finally comes true when he beats the country’s best player. The movie won two Oscars after having been nominated in an impressive seven categories.

The Warrior (2011)

The film Warrior, directed by Gavin O’Connor, is about two brothers alienated at childhood who enter a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) tournament. The film itself though received only a solitary nomination at the Academy awards.