This Was the Only Classic Western to Win an Oscar for Best Picture

If you grew up watching cowboy movies, you might assume the classic Western dominated the Academy Awards. After all, for decades, it was Hollywood’s signature genre, and one of the most popular at the box office.

But when it comes to the top prize at the Oscars, the truth is surprising: only one classic-era Western ever won Best Picture, and it was a movie released all the way back in 1931.