Director George Miller is best known for theMad Maxseries of films, but his singular Oscar win actually came from a different franchise altogether,Happy Feet. With Mel Gibson in the titular role, the original Mad Max debuted in 1979 to critical acclaim and a successful box office run. As a result, Miller, who also served as co-writer, joined Gibson in achieving mainstream recognition. This led toseveral moreMad Maxmoviesbeing released across the years.
The most recent of those wasMad Max: Fury Road, which came thirty years after the Tina Turner-starring third outing,Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome. The movie saw Tom Hardy take over the titular role from Gibson. And he was joined by the likes of Charlize Theron as Furiosa, a character that would later receive her own prequel. DespiteMad Max: Fury Road’s long productionturnaround, it received some of the best reactions - from fans and critics alike - of the wholeMad Maxfranchise. Equally,Mad Max: Fury Roadearned several Oscars, including those for costume design and editing. Miller, however, went away empty-handed. Thankfully, he had already earned one separate from theMad Maxfranchise.
George Miller’s Happy Feet Won Best Animated Feature At The 2007 Oscars
George Miller Tap-Danced His Way Into The Academy’s Hearts
Also co-written and directed by Miller,Happy Feetwas released in theaters back in 2006. The star-studded cast included the likes of Elijah Wood, Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, andthe late, great, Robin Williams. Unable to sing a heartsong to attract a soulmate, emperor penguin Mumble (Wood) goes on a tap-dancing journey of self-discovery and to figure out what’s diminishing the fish population around their home.Happy Feetended up earning a $200 million profit and receiving widespread critical acclaim.
Mad Max Timeline Explained: When Each Movie Takes Place
Because of the changes made by Mad Max: Fury Road, the series timeline can be a bit confusing. So when do they happen, and how do they fit together?
Happy Feetalso ended up taking home the Academy Award for ‘Best Animated’ Feature. It was onlythe fourth non-Disney or Pixar film to achieve that milestone. In that regard, it joined the likes ofShrekandSpirited Away. Though the sequel didn’t fare nearly as well, withHappy Feet 2’s failure nearly cancelingMad Max: Fury Road, the original’s impressive achievement remains intact. And, also serving as a producer onHappy Feet, Miller was among those who got to walk away with a coveted Oscar.
George Miller’s Two Best Picture Nominations Are Very Different From Each Other
Miller Almost Walked Away With Even Bigger Oscar Prizes
BeforeHappy Feet, Miller also worked on another family-friendly movie:Babe. Also co-written and produced by Miller,Babetells the story of a lovable pig that aspires to take on the responsibilities of a sheepdog. Released in 1995, it rapidly earned a profit of over $200 million and warmed the hearts of many around the world.Babewas also nominated for a slew of Oscars, including Best Picture. Unfortunately, that prize ultimately went toBraveheartandformerMad Maxcollaborator Mel Gibson, proving that competition was stiff that year.
Best Picture
Mad Max: Fury Road
Babe, likeHappy Feet, was a far cry from what Miller is predominantly known for. And there’s no more proof of that thanMad Max: Fury Roadliving up to its title. After decades away, he returned to his roots in a spectacular fashion. Equally, Miller demonstrated whystunts and choreography should have their own Academy Award categoryas he delivered the madcap violence and insane spectacle that people thought he had moved away from.
With"witness me" serving asMad Max: Fury Road’s battle-cry, the Academy did just that, rewarding Miller with a ‘Best Director’ and ‘Best Picture’ nomination. ThoughHappy Feetremains his sole win, the world ofMad Maxshows that it may not yet be his last. His body of work proves that Miller has beenone of Hollywood’s most eclectic filmmakers. And still has what it takes to deliver on a family-friendly, comedic, or much more deranged level.
Cast
Mad Max: Fury Road is a post-apocalyptic film set in a desolate desert landscape where society has collapsed. Released in 2015, the story follows two rebels, Max Rockatansky and Imperator Furiosa, as they attempt to survive and bring balance to a world torn by chaos and strife.
