The 1989 Movie That Went From Being Called the Best of the Year to Hated Today
Yahoo • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Released in December 1989, Driving Miss Daisy was a major commercial and critical success, grossing over $145 million worldwide on a $7.5 million budget and winning four Oscars, including Best Picture.
- The film also swept the Golden Globes in its nominated categories, with Jessica Tandy and Morgan Freeman winning acting awards and the movie taking Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy.
- Despite initial acclaim, Driving Miss Daisy has since faced significant backlash for its overly simplistic and romanticized portrayal of racism, with critics and audiences labeling it outdated and corny.
- The film's Best Picture win over Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing, which was not even nominated, remains a major point of contention, with Lee himself highlighting the enduring relevance of his film compared to the fading legacy of Driving Miss Daisy.
- Contemporary viewers and critics continue to express strong negative opinions, reflecting a broader reassessment of the film's cultural and artistic value decades after its release.
