From the start, the historical romance “Reds” (1981) was perceived as more of a high-brow fare because of its political content and insertion of interviews with some of the real-life participants in the events. Warren Beatty, the film's producer, co-writer, director, and star, hoped that the Oscar nominations (and awards) would elevate and broaden the problematic picture' visibility. However, failing to win the Best Picture Oscar, the epic picture didn't even recoup its budget.

Two blockbusters were nominated for the 1973 Best Picture Oscar: William Friedkin's horror thriller, “The Exorcist,” and George Roy Hill's adventure-comedy, “The Sting,” which won. Both films were released at Christmas, the prime time movie-going season.

The nominations performed a most positive function for “The Elephant Man,” which, initially, Paramount released mostly in “sophisticated neighborhoods.” This was based on the studio's marketing team's belief that the appeal of David Lynch' somber black-and-white period saga was confined to educated audiences.

For the fledgling ballet melodrama, “The Turning Point” (1977), just receiving a Best Picture nomination made the difference.

Contrary to public opinion, “All About Eve” (1950) was not a huge hit–it ranked as the year's eighth grosser with $2.9 million. Nominated an all-time record of 14 Oscars, it won 6, including Best Picture. Was it the theatrical milieu of the film that limited its appeal Its acerbic and sophisticated dialogue “All About Ev” became a cult film in the 1960s and 1970s.