#6: Paul Muni  (1936)

Even in the 1930s, the Academy had a soft spot for biopics, and The Story of Louis Pasteur was no exception. This dramatized take on the life of the groundbreaking scientist earned Paul Muni the Oscar for Best Actor, solidifying his reputation as a master of transformation.

The film’s compelling narrative also won recognition for its screenplay, penned by Pierre Collings and Sheridan Gibney, with an uncredited contribution from Edward Chodorov. With its mix of historical drama and powerful performances, the film proved that bringing real-life figures to the screen was a winning formula.