On This Day

Argo wins Best Picture Oscar

February 24th 2013

10:37 24 February 2024

'Argo' won the Best Picture Oscar at the 85th Academy Awards ceremony on this day in 2013. In November 1979, Iranian activists stormed the United States embassy in retaliation for President Jimmy Carter giving the Shah asylum during the Iranian revolution. More than 50 Americans were taken hostage but six evaded capture and took refuge in the home of the Canadian ambassador. The events that unfold to secure their rescue if presented as a work of fiction would seem absurd and stretching credibility to it's limit but 'Argo' is a true story.

Ben Affleck's' terrific thriller begins with chaos and panic as the embassy is taken over and ends with the tension of the escape through the streets of Tehran and its airport. In-between is the incredible plan to get the six hideaways out of the country before certain execution if they are discovered. With the clock ticking and all avenues exhausted, C.I.A. operative Tony Mendez (Ben Affleck) begins a plan, with the reluctant agreement of his superiors, to go in as a Canadian film producer scouting for locations for a science fiction film.

The film is called 'Argo' and the six hidden diplomats will leave the country as his crew. If the mission is to be successful the cover has to be as realistic as possible. Enter Hollywood producer Lester Siegel (Alan Arkin) and make-up artist John Chambers (John Goodman) who in the era of 'Star Wars' help promote the film as the next big science fiction blockbuster. A taut and gripping thriller, 'Argo' was fully deserving of its many accolades.