In a recent appearance on the show Watch What Happens Live, Michelle Williams, a five-time Academy Award nominee, expressed her ongoing bewilderment regarding a significant injustice at the Oscars, specifically the 2006 snubbing of her film, Brokeback Mountain. The film, directed by Ang Lee, is often remembered as a groundbreaking piece of cinema that tackled LGBTQ+ themes in a poignant narrative, yet it infamously lost the Best Picture award to Crash, directed by Paul Haggis. Williams’ candid remarks reignited conversations about the impact and legacy of both films.

“What was Crash?” Williams challenged during her segment, candidly questioning the merit of the film that secured the top honor over her critically acclaimed project. Her retrospective thoughts highlight a cultural moment that many in the industry still grapple with, particularly regarding the Academy’s voting tendencies.

Reflecting on the emotional resonance of Brokeback Mountain, Williams recalled her experiences during the film’s promotional junket, noting, “People were so open about it.” She poignantly remarked on the rare sight of “grown men crying” during the film’s screenings, emphasizing the profound effect the story had on audiences and its cultural significance. This emotional response contributed to a collective understanding among those present that the film would leave a lasting impression.

Brokeback Mountain, which premiered in 2005, features Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal as Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist, respectively, two ranch hands who navigate a secret romantic relationship over two decades while tending to sheep in the rural backdrop of 1963 Wyoming. Their portrayal of love against societal expectations struck a chord with many viewers, forcing discussions about masculinity, love, and acceptance.

In the wake of the film’s Oscar snub, the fallout within Hollywood was palpable. The controversy was so significant that in 2015, Hollywood insiders informally re-voted on the Best Picture award, declaring Brokeback Mountain the winner of the title it was denied a decade earlier. Ang Lee, in a reflective interview with IndieWire in March 2024, addressed the reasons behind the loss, attributing it to the Academy’s homophobic tendencies at the time. He stated, “Back then, [Brokeback Mountain] had a ceiling. We got a lot of support — up to that much. It has that feeling. I wasn’t holding a grudge or anything. It’s just how they were.”

In addition to Williams’ role as Alma, Ledger’s wife, Brokeback Mountain featured a talented ensemble cast that included Anne Hathaway, Linda Cardellini, Kate Mara, David Harbour, Anna Faris, and Randy Quaid. The film was well-received by critics and audiences alike, ultimately winning three Oscars: Best Director for Ang Lee, Best Adapted Screenplay for Larry McMurtry and Diana Ossana, and Best Original Score for Gustavo Santaolalla. Along with its nominations for Best Picture and Best Supporting Actress, it also received nods for Best Actor for Ledger, Best Supporting Actor for Gyllenhaal, and Best Cinematography for Rodrigo Prieto.

As the film celebrates its legacy, Williams' reflections serve as a reminder of the ongoing discussions around representation in film and the recognition of diverse narratives within the Academy Awards.