Michelle Williams remains to be puzzled 20 years later by “Crash” beating out “Brokeback Mountain” for Greatest Image. Williams stated throughout “Watch What Occurs Stay!” (within the beneath video) whereas selling sequence “Dying for Intercourse” that she is baffled by even the plot of “Crash.”
Paul Haggis wrote and directed the ensemble race drama that starred Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle, Matt Dillon, Jennifer Esposito, William Fichtner, and Brendan Fraser. (Haggis was later discovered liable on three counts of rape and sexual abuse in 2022.) “Crash” received Greatest Image on the 2006 Oscars, regardless of Ang Lee’s queer Western romance “Brokeback Mountain” having already received Greatest Tailored Screenplay, Greatest Director, and Greatest Unique Rating.
“Brokeback Mountain” starred Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger as two closeted cowboys who depart their wives, performed by Anne Hathaway and Williams, for a number of days each few years. The movie was tailored from Annie Proulx’s novella by Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana.
The announcement that “Crash” had gotten Greatest Image is among the many most contested Oscar wins in cinema historical past. And it appears that evidently Williams agrees.
“I imply, what was ‘Crash’?” Williams stated when “Watch What Occurs Stay!” host Andy Cohen shared that he believes “Brokeback Mountain” is a greater movie. Williams additionally remembered the affect “Brokeback Mountain” had on audiences on the time and its enduring legacy. When requested by Cohen if she knew how monumental “Brokeback Mountain” was when the movie was launched, Williams stated, “Sure, as a result of folks have been so open about it. I simply bear in mind doing the junket…you don’t actually get a number of alternatives to see grown males cry. That was the second I feel we knew that it was going to be particular.”
“Brokeback Mountain” director Lee informed IndieWire movie editor Ryan Lattanzio in 2024 that the Academy discriminated in opposition to the movie being a homosexual love story, saying, “Again then, [‘Brokeback Mountain’] had a ceiling. We bought a number of help — as much as that a lot. […] It has that feeling. I wasn’t holding a grudge or something. It’s simply how they [the Academy] have been.”
Lee additionally informed Empire that it was late actor Ledger who grounded the movie. “Heath’s aura powers the entire story. He did a number of preparation, totally on his personal. And he usually stunned me with what he dropped at his work,” Lee stated. “One side I cherish was attending to witness Heath and Jake [Gyllenhaal] develop that relationship between their characters. I noticed it unfold proper in entrance of my eyes, from rehearsal all the way in which to filming. […] Michelle Williams broke her knee throughout pre-shooting, however Heath was all the time taking care of her. He was so naturally caring in direction of Michelle.”
Williams and Ledger later married and had a daughter collectively. Ledger died in 2008.