More than a decade and a half ago, when ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ won the 2009 Oscars, the trophy was not just another hat; It was a turning point for world cinema. Danny Boyle’s film, set in the chaotic heart of Mumbai, captivated audiences everywhere with Jamal Malik’s wild journey from orphans to game shows.On February 22, 2009, Hollywood rolled out the red carpet for the 81st Academy Awards, but it was ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ that stole the show. It won eight Oscars out of ten nominations, including the big one: Best Picture. The night was filled with moving speeches, breakthrough wins for Indian artists and a sense that something huge was happening on that stage.Before you tune in to this year’s Oscars night, let’s take a step back.
The big moment: the win for Best Picture
It was an unforgettable moment, especially for the Indian public, when ‘Slumdog Millionaire’s name was called for the best film award. That was on top of an already incredible awards season. The film won, not only for Best Picture, but also for Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay. For the audience, it was more than a triumph for the film. It was proof that a story born in India, with an Indian cast and backdrop, can move audiences everywhere, including the die-hard crowd at the Oscars.
Danny Boyle’s Best Director win
Captain of the Ship, Danny Boyle’s Best Director win, was another high point. Best known for ‘Trainspotting’ and ’28 Days Later’, Boyle brought Mumbai’s infectious energy to the world’s biggest stage. In his speech, he thanked the actors and the people of India for helping to make the story real. He also mentioned how he believed in the unique magic of combining British filmmaking and Indian storytelling, saying, “My kids are too old to remember this now, but when they were much younger, I swore to them that if this miracle ever happened I would get it in the spirit of Tigger from Winnie-the-Pooh and it was.”“
AR Rahman’s double Oscar
For Indian audiences and the diaspora, AR Rahman’s triumphs were something else. He made history that night by winning two Oscars: one for Best Original Score and the other for Best Original Song for ‘Jai Ho’ written with lyricist Gulzar. On stage, Rahman kept it simple and honest, saying that he chose love over hate: “The essence of the film is about optimism and the power of hope in life, and all my life I had a choice between hate and love. I chose love and here I am. God bless you.”
India’s proud moment with Resul Pookutty
Then came sound designer Resul Pookutty, who won the best sound mixing award for the film. His work transported the audience to the streets and trains of Mumbai, making the city itself a character. While accepting his award, Pookutty said, “I come from a country and a civilization that gave the universal word. Before that word there is silence, and after it is more silence. That word is ‘Om’. So I dedicate this award to my country. Thank you, Academy.Pookotty shared the award with Richard Pryke and Ian Tapp.
‘Slumdog Millionaire’: Everything
Conversely, ‘Slumdog Millionaire’, directed by Danny Boyle and based on the novel ‘Q & A’ by Vikas Swarup, follows Jamal Malik, a Mumbai slum boy who joins India’s version of ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?’ On the surface, it sounds like a simple story: a poor guy chases a life-changing jackpot. But every answer Jamal gives is wrapped up in a wild and sometimes painful story of his life. The quiz becomes a way to tell a much bigger story about survival, destiny and love.At the 81st Academy Awards, ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ ruled the night. It won Best Film, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Film Editing, Best Original Score, Best Original Song (‘Jai Ho’) and Best Sound Mixing. No other film came close. That sweep ended up being the biggest movie of the year.
