1961 Alternate Oscars

A bit of trivia: the origin of the term "paparazzi" — those annoying photographers who take pictures of celebrities — is from the name of a character, Paparazzo, in Fellini's La Dolce Vita. Played by Walter Santesso, Paparazzo (Italian slang for mosquito) was a freelance news photographer, a hyperactive, buzzing nuisance throughout the film.

Now you know.

By the way, if you've never seen a Fellini movie, start with La Dolce Vita — about seven wild nights in the seven hills of Rome — then follow it up with his next film, 1963's 8½. Both star Marcello Mastroianni and seen back-to-back, the films are the story of a man's journey from ambition to decadence to disillusionment and finally to a sort of hard-won wisdom. Peak Fellini, great stuff.

My choices are noted with a ★. A tie is indicated with a ✪. Historical Oscar winners are noted with a ✔. Best foreign-language picture winners are noted with an ƒ. A historical winner who won in a different category is noted with a ✱.