Wings (1927)

Winner of 2 Academy Awards:

Best Production

Paramount Famous Lasky

Best Engineering Effects

Roy Pomeroy

It won 2 Oscars out of a total of 2 nominations in 1927-28.


Wings is a sweeping epic set against the backdrop of World War I, which chronicles the tale of two fighter pilots who vie for the heart of the same woman.  It is a simple story that seams together intense aerial battle sequences.

It is true that Wings was the “first Best Picture” winner, but only partially.  The Academy actually handed out two “Best Picture” awards in its first year – one for Best Production (which was won by Wings), and another for Best Unique and Artistic Picture (which was won by the film Sunrise).  This only occurred in the first year, however, and they would later declare that the Best Production category was the equivalent of the Best Picture award, giving Wings the official title.

Another distinction that it holds within the Academy records is that it is the only film to win, and even officially be nominated for, an Academy Award for Best Engineering Effects – a category that would be disbanded after the first year.

Its records are not limited to the Academy, though.  The film actually holds the first known instance of a same-sex kiss between two men.  And – although this is completely unrelated to the kissing – it even shows some of the earliest footage of onscreen nudity (both male and female).

Interestingly, the show-stopping aerial battles are so realistic that in the process of making the film, one stunt pilot was severely injured, and another pilot actually died.


Editorial:

The film is quite enjoyable for its great aviation battle sequences, and has several sweet moments – especially the ones revolving around the “shooting star” motif.  But if the story-line of two combat fighter pilots torn over the same woman sounds eerily similar to Pearl Harbor (2001), it’s because it is.

Score  |  06/10  |  This motion picture is worth watching.