Gladiator’s Oscar Success Broke A 51-Year-Old Record (& It Hasn’t Happened Since)

Gladiator was a phenomenal success in 2000 and won the Best Picture Oscar, but it also broke an unfavorable 51-year record. Ridley Scott’s Gladiator stormed the box office, earning a chariot full of dollars, critical acclaim, and fervent fans. Grossing over $503 million (via Box Office Mojo), Gladiator became an instant classic, breathing fresh life into the historical epic genre. Critics hailed the movie for its thrilling action sequences, authentic set designs, powerful performances, and Gladiator‘s historical accuracy. The film quickly cemented its legacy as a cultural touchstone, with its quotes and score becoming instantly recognizable. As a result, Gladiator was a huge contender at the 73rd Academy Awards.