20th Century Biopics: A Cinematic Journey Through Time

Description: Spike Lee's epic portrayal of Malcolm X, the controversial and influential civil rights leader, captures his transformation from a criminal to a powerful advocate for black empowerment.

Fact: Denzel Washington's performance was critically acclaimed, earning him an Oscar nomination, and the film was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry.

Description: Based on the true story of Oskar Schindler, a German businessman who saved the lives of over 1,000 Jewish refugees during the Holocaust by employing them in his factories.

Fact: The film was shot in black and white to give it a documentary-like feel, and Steven Spielberg won his first Best Director Oscar for this film.

Description: This biopic focuses on the life of Frida Kahlo, the Mexican artist known for her surrealist paintings and tumultuous personal life, including her relationship with Diego Rivera.

Fact: Salma Hayek received an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Frida, and the film's makeup team won an Academy Award for their work.

Description: This biopic explores the life of John Nash, a brilliant mathematician who battles schizophrenia while making groundbreaking contributions to economics and game theory.

Fact: Russell Crowe was nominated for an Oscar for his role as John Nash, and the film itself won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Description: This film chronicles the life of Howard Hughes, an aviation pioneer, filmmaker, and eccentric billionaire, focusing on his rise to fame and his struggles with mental health.

Fact: Leonardo DiCaprio's performance as Hughes earned him an Oscar nomination, and the film itself was nominated for 11 Academy Awards, winning five.

Description: This film captures the life of Ray Charles, the legendary musician, focusing on his rise to fame, his battle with drug addiction, and his groundbreaking contributions to music.

Fact: Jamie Foxx won an Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal of Ray Charles, and the film was nominated for six Academy Awards.

Description: This biopic tells the story of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in California, and his fight for gay rights in the late 1970s.

Fact: Sean Penn won an Oscar for Best Actor for his role as Milk, and the film was nominated for eight Academy Awards.

Description: This film delves into the life of King George VI, who, with the help of an unorthodox speech therapist, overcomes his stammer to deliver a crucial wartime speech. It's a testament to personal growth and the power of friendship.

Fact: The film won four Oscars, including Best Picture, and Colin Firth's portrayal of King George VI earned him the Best Actor award.

Description: This biopic centers on Alan Turing, the British mathematician who helped crack the German Enigma code during World War II, while also exploring his personal struggles and persecution for his homosexuality.

Fact: Benedict Cumberbatch's performance earned him an Oscar nomination, and the film was nominated for eight Academy Awards.

Description: This film tells the story of Stephen Hawking, his groundbreaking work in physics, and his personal life, particularly his relationship with his first wife, Jane.

Fact: Eddie Redmayne won an Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal of Hawking, and the film was nominated for five Academy Awards.