The most anticipated time of year for movie-goers is upon us. This Sunday's 93rd Academy Awards ceremony officially marks the end of the 2021 film award season, with industry members and movie buffs alike anxiously awaiting the winners of that coveted, golden statuette. Who will win? That is yet to be determined, but in the meantime, we can't help but reflect on a few of film's more "unspoken" stars—the flowers. They may not have played leading roles, but their support has contributed to some of our favorite scenes in movie history.
Here's our list of the most memorable flower moments in film, along with the awards they should have won—if flowers could actually win an Oscar.
BEST MUSICAL WITH HAIR FLOWERS: The United States vs. Billie Holiday (2021)
A musical icon further immortalized in an Oscar-nominated film, Billie Holiday is just as known for her timeless style—and floral hair accessories—as for her legendary vocals. This year, Andra Day is nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her portrayal of Holiday in the movie. Best of luck Andra!
Academy Award Nomination (2021): Best Actress in a Leading Role (Andra Day)
BEST ACTION SCENE: Sex and the City: the Movie (2008)
For the "Sex and the City" fans, who can forget Carrie and Mr. Big's million-dollar wedding—that actually never happened. Carrie doesn't hide any emotions in her Vivienne Westwood gown when she uses her bouquet as a weapon after being left at the altar.
BEST USE OF UNLIMITED BUDGETS: The Great Gatsby (2013)
In this scene of the Oscar-winning film, Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio) finally reunites with his childhood sweetheart, Daisy Buchanan, at a lavish tea party overflowing with pastel-toned orchids. We're impressed!
Academy Award Wins (2014): Best Achievement in Costume Design, Best Achievement in Production Design
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS: Alice in Wonderland (2010)
Flowers play a big role in the fictional world of the beloved "Alice in Wonderland" novel and movie series. In the 2010 remake by Tim Burton, the film's flowers are literally brought to life using computer-generated, visual effects—which won the Oscar award in 2011.
Academy Award Wins (2011): Best Achievement in Costume Design, Best Achievement in Art Direction
BEST COLOR COMBO: Steel Magnolias (1989)
In the Oscar-nominated film adaptation of the 1987 play of the same name, this scene of "Steel Magnolias" showcases Shelby's (Julia Roberts) iconic, "blush and bashful" wedding ceremony—hosed down with Pepto Bismol-pink hues.
Academy Award Nomination (1990): Best Actress in A Supporting Role (Julia Roberts)
BEST INTERNATIONAL WEDDING: Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
No expense was spared in the $40 million (yes million) dollar wedding of Araminta and Colin in the film adaptation of the novel, "Crazy Rich Asians." Complete with a flower-lined water aisle and indoor botanical garden, this international wedding was the "social event of the century."
BEST FLOWER SHOP SET DESIGN: Vertigo (1958)
Flowers are a common motif in Alfred Hitchcock's "Vertigo." In this scene of the Oscar-nominated film, the wife (Madeline) of John Ferguson, a newly retired detective, goes into a grandiose flower shop to buy herself a small bunch. It is said that the delicate yet beautiful flowers Madeline selected are representative of her persona.
Academy Award Nominations (1959): Best Art Direction-Set Direction, Best Sound
BEST BATHTUB SCENE WITH ROSE PETALS: American Beauty (1999)
From Carolyn's garden and Lester's fantasies to the actual movie posters, roses are pictured everywhere in the Oscar-winning film, "American Beauty;" so much so that the film’s script was originally titled "American Rose."
Academy Award Wins (2000): Best Picture, Best Actor in a Leading Role (Kevin Spacey), Best Director (Sam Mendes), Best Writing - Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen, Best Cinematography
BEST FIELD OF FLOWERS: The Color Purple (1985)
In this scene of Steven Spielberg's Oscar-nominated film, "The Color Purple," sisters Celie and Nettie play pat-a-cake in a rolling field of purple flowers in rural Georgia. These picturesque blooms actually set the scene for the beginning and end of the film.
Academy Award Nominations (1986): Best Picture, Best Actress in a Leading Role (Whoopi Goldberg), Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Margaret Avery), Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Oprah Winfrey), Best Writing - Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium, Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction - Set Direction, Best Costume Design, Best Music - Original Song, Best Music - Original Score, Best Makeup
BEST HISTORICAL FLOWERS: Marie Antoinette (2006)
The trials and tribulations of the ill-fated dauphine of France, Marie Antoinette, are spectacularly retold in Sofia Coppola's film of the same name. From its lavish set design to its Oscar-winning costume selection, the film is a visual feast for the eyes—especially when it comes to the flowers used to decorate the Palace of Versailles.
Academy Award Win (2007): Best Achievement in Costume Design
BEST USE OF FLOWER SYMBOLISM: Memoirs of a Geisha (2005)
In this memorable scene from the novel-based film, "Memoirs of a Geisha," Sayuri goes for a walk with the Chairman, her forbidden love, in a garden full of cherry blossom trees. Aside from its heartrending love story, the Oscar-winning film also plays homage to the cherry blossom, which is a national symbol of Japan.
Academy Award Wins (2006): Best Achievement in Cinematography, Best Achievement in Art Direction, Best Achievement in Costume Design
BEST DANCE SEQUENCE WITH FLOWERS: An American in Paris (1951)
A winner of six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, "An American in Paris" is an extravagant musical inspired by George Gershwin's 1928 orchestral composition of the same name. In this legendary scene, Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron dance in a dreamy outdoor marketplace setting accented by thousands of blooms.
Academy Award Wins (1952): Best Picture, Best Writing - Story and Screenplay, Best Cinematography - Color, Best Art Direction - Color, Best Costume Design - Color, Best Music
