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Taxi Driver Overlooked at Oscars Over Controversial Themes

5/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

Screenwriter Paul Schrader says the 1977 Oscars passed over director Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver despite nominations because the subject matter hurt its chances.
Taxi Driver saw actor Robert De Niro was nominated, won no awards as director John G. Avildsen’s Rocky took Best Picture, and captured Palme d’Or at Cannes despite playwright Tennessee Williams’s objection.
Columbia Pictures not expect Taxi Driver’s success, gave it promotion, and saw it gross $27.6 million.

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Story summary

Screenwriter Paul Schrader says the 1977 Oscars passed over director Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver despite nominations because the subject matter hurt its chances.
Taxi Driver saw actor Robert De Niro was nominated, won no awards as director John G. Avildsen’s Rocky took Best Picture, and captured Palme d’Or at Cannes despite playwright Tennessee Williams’s objection.
Columbia Pictures not expect Taxi Driver’s success, gave it promotion, and saw it gross $27.6 million.