Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Brokeback Mountain's Oscar Snub: Bias or Bad Luck?

7/1/2025

26 5

Summary

Story summary

Brokeback Mountain, featuring Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, faced a shocking defeat at the Oscars, losing Best Picture to Crash. Co-writer Diana Ossana felt the sting of bias when Clint Eastwood confessed he hadn’t seen it. Despite its accolades, she believes prejudice marred its Oscar journey, yet the film endures as a cherished classic.

1 of 1

Story summary

Brokeback Mountain, featuring Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal, faced a shocking defeat at the Oscars, losing Best Picture to Crash. Co-writer Diana Ossana felt the sting of bias when Clint Eastwood confessed he hadn’t seen it. Despite its accolades, she believes prejudice marred its Oscar journey, yet the film endures as a cherished classic.