50 Years of Oscar

Tonight is that annual Academy Awards (starting at 5:30 p.m. Pacific). This is the 83rd Oscar telecast. As we look forward to a new film joining the elite club of Best Picture winners, it's always interesting to look to the past.

This year marks the start of a new decade (the nominated films are from 2010). In honor of that, I thought I would look back at winners from the first year of each of the past five decades.

1960 — "The Apartment."

I haven't seen this Billy Wilder comedy, but it's notable for the great lead performance from Jack Lemon. The film won five Oscars, including for Wilder's direction and for the screenplay. Lemmon and co-star Shirley MacLaine earned nominations but didn't get awards.

1970 — "Patton"

This film chronicled the career of World War II General George S. Patton. George C. Scott gives a great performance as Patton. The film won seven Oscars, including a Best Actor for Scott, Best Director, and Best Screenplay.

1980 — "Ordinary People"

This is a fascinating film showcasing how a family deals with the death of a cherished son. The film, directed by Robert Redford, is a poignant, emotional tale. The film garnered four total Oscars, including for Redford as Best Director, Timothy Hutton as Best Supporting Actor, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

1990 — "Dances With Wolves"

This is probably Kevin Costner's most famous and best film. You can tell it's a labor of love. It's not my favorite film — I think it's a little long — but it's well made. The film won seven total Oscars, including Best Director for Costner, Best Cinematography, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

2000 — "Gladiator"

This was the film that won the Best Picture prize to start the last decade. I can remember thinking, at the time, that it was an upset. But the film still holds up. In fact, I put it on my list of the best of the last decade in December 2009. Not bad for a summer blockbuster. The film won five Oscars, including Best Actor for Russell Crowe.

Tonight, another film enters the fraternity.