10 Must-Watch Biopics Celebrating Cultural Icons

Description: A fictionalized account of the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, focusing on his rivalry with Antonio Salieri. This film delves into the genius of Mozart and the cultural milieu of 18th-century Vienna.

Fact: The film won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Tom Hulce, who played Mozart, actually played the piano in some scenes.

Description: Dive into the vibrant world of Frida Kahlo, exploring her tumultuous life, her art, and her relationship with Diego Rivera. This film is a visual feast, reflecting Kahlo's unique artistic style and cultural significance.

Fact: Salma Hayek, who played Frida, was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress. The film was co-produced by Hayek herself.

Description: This film tells the true story of Władysław Szpilman, a Polish-Jewish pianist who survived the Holocaust by living in hiding. It's a testament to the enduring power of music and culture in the darkest of times.

Fact: Adrien Brody won an Oscar for Best Actor, becoming the youngest actor to win in that category at the time. He learned to play the piano for the role.

Description: This biopic captures the life of Ray Charles, from his childhood in the segregated South to his rise as a musical icon. It's a celebration of his cultural influence and personal struggles.

Fact: Jamie Foxx won an Oscar for his portrayal of Ray Charles. The film features Charles' own voice in some scenes.

Description: This biopic follows the life of Johnny Cash, focusing on his early career, his struggles with addiction, and his relationship with June Carter. It's a poignant look at how personal turmoil can fuel artistic expression.

Fact: Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon performed all the songs themselves. Witherspoon won an Oscar for her role as June Carter.

Description: Based on the memoir by Jean-Dominique Bauby, this film explores his life after a stroke left him with locked-in syndrome, highlighting his resilience and the power of human spirit through his cultural contributions.

Fact: The film was shot from Bauby's perspective, with the camera representing his point of view. It was nominated for four Academy Awards.

Description: A biopic of Édith Piaf, the "Little Sparrow" of French music, this film covers her rise from the streets of Paris to international stardom, showcasing her cultural influence.

Fact: Marion Cotillard won an Oscar for Best Actress for her role as Piaf. The film was a major success in France and internationally.

Description: This film chronicles the rise of Queen through the lens of Freddie Mercury, capturing the band's iconic Live Aid performance. It's a must-watch for its portrayal of Mercury's complex personality and the band's cultural impact.

Fact: Rami Malek won an Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal of Freddie Mercury. The film's title is inspired by Queen's famous song of the same name.

Description: This film tells the story of Stephen Hawking, focusing on his relationship with his first wife, Jane, and his groundbreaking work in theoretical physics, which has had a profound cultural impact.

Fact: Eddie Redmayne won an Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal of Hawking. The film was adapted from Jane Hawking's memoir.

Description: Explore the meteoric rise of Jean-Michel Basquiat, a graffiti artist who became a celebrated figure in the art world. This film captures the cultural vibrancy of New York in the 1980s.

Fact: The film was directed by Julian Schnabel, who was a friend of Basquiat. David Bowie played the role of Andy Warhol.