It’s been nearly two decades since Brokeback Mountain changed the landscape of LGBTQ+ cinema forever. Released in 2005, the film follows the forbidden love between ranchers Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal) in the rugged Wyoming wilderness. Directed by Ang Lee, Brokeback Mountain was not just a film; it was a cultural moment, sparking discussions about love, identity, and the challenges of queer representation in mainstream media.
A Film that Shaped Queer Cinema
Back in 2005, Brokeback Mountain arrived at a time when LGBTQ+ representation in Hollywood was sparse and often sidelined. Yet, the film’s raw portrayal of a romantic relationship between two men in a conservative environment resonated with audiences worldwide. Despite some conservative backlash, it became both a critical and commercial hit, solidifying its place as one of the most important queer films in history.
When the 78th Academy Awards came around, Brokeback Mountain was the frontrunner for Best Picture, with nominations across eight categories. But in a shocking upset, the film lost the top award to Crash, a divisive ensemble drama about race and prejudice that has since been regarded by many as one of the most controversial and regrettable Best Picture winners in Oscar history. For many queer viewers, this was a moment of heartbreak and disbelief—a massive snub for a film that not only told a powerful queer love story but also challenged societal norms.
Michelle Williams Gets Real About “Crash” and the Oscars Snub
This year marks 20 years since Brokeback Mountain’s release, and Watch What Happens Live host Andy Cohen couldn’t resist bringing up the infamous Oscars loss when Brokeback star Michelle Williams appeared on the show to promote her new role in Dying for Sex. Cohen, who is no stranger to passionate opinions about queer cinema, shared his disappointment with the outcome of that year’s Best Picture category.
Williams, ever the icon, didn’t hold back when asked about the snub. “I mean, what was Crash?” she responded with a mix of feigned innocence and cutting shade, immediately sending waves of laughter through the audience. Cohen, fully agreeing with her, quipped, “Who’s talking about Crash right now?” It was a moment of pure brilliance that felt like the movie equivalent of saying, “You’re not even worth my time.”
Brokeback Mountain vs. Crash: The Stats Don’t Lie
As the years have gone by, Brokeback Mountain has continued to stand the test of time, while Crash has all but faded from public consciousness. Critics and audiences alike continue to praise Brokeback Mountain for its moving performances, stunning cinematography, and poignant exploration of forbidden love. The film remains a beloved classic with an 88% “Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
In comparison, Crash has a respectable but less impressive 72% rating, and its box office performance was modest at best. Brokeback grossed $178 million worldwide, while Crash made just $98 million. Even at the Oscars, Brokeback Mountain received more nominations and was seen as the more deserving film, yet Crash walked away with the top honor.
The Lasting Legacy of Brokeback Mountain
Fast forward to today, and Brokeback Mountain is more than just a relic of the past; it’s a cultural touchstone. The film was added to the U.S. National Film Registry by the Library of Congress and continues to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike. It even made its way to the stage in 2023 with a critically acclaimed adaptation starring Lucas Hedges and Mike Faist.
In contrast, Crash is mostly remembered for Sandra Bullock’s character’s cringe-worthy bigoted remarks and the less-than-dramatic fall she takes down a set of stairs.
So, in the immortal words of Michelle Williams, “What was Crash?” Twenty years later, Brokeback Mountain continues to reign supreme, and Crash remains little more than an embarrassing footnote in Oscars history.
Michelle Willams in ‘Brokeback Mountain.’ Photo: Focus Features
