The Moment ‘Brokeback Mountain’ Co-Writer Knew Its Oscar Fate

Ang Lee's poignant 2005 drama, Brokeback Mountain, captivated audiences and critics alike, earning widespread acclaim for its groundbreaking portrayal of a complex romantic relationship. As the Academy Awards approached, the film was a strong contender for Best Picture, generating significant buzz and expectations.

However, for co-writer Diana Ossana, the film's fate at the 78th Academy Awards became starkly clear in a single, telling encounter. While at the Governors Ball following the ceremony, where Brokeback Mountain ultimately lost the coveted Best Picture award to Crash, Ossana met legendary filmmaker Clint Eastwood.

Recounting the pivotal moment, Ossana shared that she complimented Eastwood on his film, presumably Million Dollar Baby, which had won Best Picture the previous year. Eastwood, in turn, acknowledged Brokeback Mountain, stating, "Well, Brokeback Mountain is a good film." Intrigued, Ossana then directly asked him if he had seen it. Eastwood's candid reply—"No, I haven't seen it"—sent a chilling realization through her.

In that instant, Ossana understood. A prominent and respected figure in Hollywood, who would likely have participated in the voting process, hadn't even watched one of the leading contenders for the industry's highest honor. This casual admission, according to Ossana, solidified her suspicion that an underlying bias, possibly homophobia, within certain segments of the Academy played a role in the film's unexpected loss.

The revelation provided a stark, personal insight into the factors that can influence major awards, extending beyond artistic merit alone. It remains a memorable anecdote in Oscar history, illustrating how perceptions and unseen biases can shape outcomes.