Hollywood actress Gwyneth Paltrow has finally addressed the long-standing Oscars controversy surrounding Shakespeare in Love and Saving Private Ryan, nearly three decades after the dramatic showdown at the 71st Academy Awards in 1999.
Much like the more recent La La Land versus Moonlight Best Picture moment, the 1999 Oscars sparked intense debate when Shakespeare in Love unexpectedly triumphed over Steven Spielberg’s war epic Saving Private Ryan, which had been widely considered the frontrunner.
The romantic comedy, starring Paltrow and Joseph Fiennes, went on to win seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Paltrow. In contrast, Saving Private Ryan secured five Oscars, notably earning Spielberg the Best Director award.
Speaking on The Awardist podcast with host Gerrad Hall, Paltrow—who currently stars in Marty Supreme—was asked whether she had ever discussed the Oscars upset with Spielberg, who is also her godfather.
Reflecting on the moment, Paltrow said it was “funny” because both she and Spielberg walked away with major wins that night. She noted that Spielberg had already been a seasoned veteran of the industry at the time, adding perspective to the situation.
Paltrow also offered broader insight into how awards function within Hollywood. Referencing the La La Land and Moonlight Oscars debate, she emphasized that multiple films can be equally deserving of top honors.
She explained that while awards celebrate artistic achievement, they also play a role in the film industry’s business model by boosting visibility and commercial value. According to Paltrow, simply being part of the awards conversation is an honor in itself and helps sustain cinema as a viable industry.
Marty Supreme, Paltrow’s latest film, was released on December 25 and marks her continued presence in high-profile projects.