Glenn Close Says This Oscar Win Was the Most Pointless in History: "I Thought, What?"

Glenn Close holds the record for the most Oscar nominations without a win – she has sat in the audience eight times, smiling and applauding. She has won three Emmys, three Golden Globes, and three Tony Awards, yet the coveted Oscar statuette still eludes her.

So Glenn Close has the right to speak out about who deserves it and who doesn't.

Glenn Close Says Gwyneth Paltrow's Best Actress Win for 'Shakespeare in Love' Didn't Make Sense

In one of the interviews, the actress recalled the controversial 1999 ceremony:

“I remember the year that Gwyneth Paltrow won over that incredible actress who was in Central Station, and I thought, ‘What?' It's like, you know, it doesn't make sense.”

She was referring to Fernanda Montenegro, whose performance in the Brazilian drama Central Station was, in the opinion of many, far stronger. However, the Oscar went to Paltrow, which was just one of the many oddities of that ceremony.

What Is 'Shakespeare in Love' About?

Young William Shakespeare is experiencing a creative crisis. The owner of a theater on the brink of bankruptcy commissions him to write a comedy. However, when he meets Viola, a girl from a noble family who dreams of performing on stage, he develops passionate feelings for her.

Thus, instead of a comedy, the tragedy Romeo and Juliet is born. The events of the play intertwine with the lives of the lovers themselves. Viola is forced into an unwanted marriage, inspiring Shakespeare to write his most famous love story.

'Shakespeare in Love' Is Still One of the Most Scandalous Oscar Winners

In 1999, Shakespeare in Love won Best Picture, beating Saving Private Ryan, Elizabeth, The Thin Red Line, and Life Is Beautiful.

Although Spielberg won the Oscar for directing, the top prize went to a movie that critics called "not Oscar-caliber." How could this happen?

The answer is simple: Harvey Weinstein. The producer waged one of the most aggressive and expensive campaigns in history, methodically convincing Academy members to vote for his film – and it worked.

Gwyneth Paltrow became one of the youngest winners in the Best Actress category, beating out Cate Blanchett, Emily Watson, Meryl Streep, and Fernanda Montenegro.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Shakespeare in Love'?

• Shakespeare in Love has 92% from critics and 80% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the movie has a score of 7.1/10.

• On Letterboxd, Shakespeare in Love scored 3.3/5.0.

Where to Watch 'Shakespeare in Love'?

Shakespeare in Love is available to buy or rent on Amazon Prime Video.