The "Sci-fi Curse" is already a well-accepted theory to explain why films with science fiction themes has failed to win an Academy Award for Best Picture ever since. Among these long list of science fiction films were "Star Wars", "E.T." "Avatar", "District 9", "The Tree of Life", "Inception", and most recently "Gravity". The films mention all share two characteristics in common, first are sci-fi films and second despite being nominated they all failed to grab the Best Picture award at the Oscars, although arguably they more deserving that others.
85 years after the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences first handed out awards, only 33 movies with sci-fi and fantasy themes were nominated to the Best Picture category. Of the 33 movies only one manages to win the award, "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King". The history of the Oscar's Award has been baffled by folklore and myths that its voting body has lost its taste towards science fiction films. This age-old tale came back to life after some of the biggest science fiction films in the last decade failed to bag the Best Picture Award. Despite numerous minor awards "Avatar" and "The Tree of Life" lost to "The Hurt Locker" and critics say that was a fair one. However, when "Gravity" lost to "12 Years a Slave" in the last Oscars, many critics and experts finally throw in their towel and accept the possibility that the Oscar really hates science fiction films.
The latest buzz came about the after the release of "Interstellar", a science fiction film directed by Christopher Nolan who also directed "Inception". Based on many critical reviews, the film deserves an Oscar nomination at least but some agree that it might be the film to finally break the curse.
The final nominees for the Academy Awards will be announced on Jan. 15 and the awards ceremony will be on Feb. 22. The 87th Academy Awards will be hosted by Neil Patrick Harris.
