Six classic Christmas TV Oscar Winners

John Daly

Breakfast At Tiffany’s (RTE 1, Christmas Eve, 8.35am)

This classic from 1961 won a hatfull of Oscars, including Best Actress for Audrey Hepburn and Best Score for Henry Mancini. Based on a novella by Truman Capote, Hepburn plays a sophisticated party girl in New York City who subsists on the favours of various rich men. Daring for its day. George Peppard of Trim descent stars alongside Hepburn.

Forrest Gump (Ch4, Christmas Day, 10pm)

The history of the United States from the 1950s to the '70s unfolds from the perspective of an Alabama man with an IQ of 75, who yearns to be reunited with his childhood sweetheart. The film won five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Tom Hanks. “Life is like a box of chocolates…..”

The Godfather I & 2 (RTE 1, Christmas Day, 12.10am & 11.10pm)

A pair of multiple Oscar winners that propelled Al Pacino into the first rank of American actors, this crime family saga inspired countless gangster creations from The Sopranos to The Wire. With Robert DeNiro, Marlon Brando, James Caan and Robert Duvall at their peaks, this is a master class in storytelling and acting.

Rocky (RTE 2, Tuesday 26th, 1.25am)

Sylvester Stallone burst into the big time with his portrayal of Rocky Balboa, a small-time boxer from working-class Philadelphia, chosen to take on the reigning world heavyweight champion, Apollo Creed. A triumphant left hook, followed by a right uppercut won the film three Oscars - and made Sly Hollywood’s biggest star.

Braveheart (RTE 2, Wednesday 27th, 9pm)

1995 was the year Ireland came to a standstill as Mel Gibson hired half the Irish Army for battle scenes filmed at Trim Castle, Dunsany and Bective abbeys, and the Curragh in an exciting film that went on to win five Oscars. Scottish warrior William Wallace leads his countrymen in a rebellion to free his homeland from the tyranny of King Edward I of England. Sophie Marceau, Patrick McGoohan and a host of Irish actors, including Brendan Gleeson, make this one a classic.

Gladiator (ITV, New Year’s Day, 10.15pm)

A former Roman General sets out to exact vengeance against the corrupt emperor who murdered his family and sent him into slavery. Russell Crowe won Best Actor for his performance as Maximus, ably backed by Joachim Phoenix as Commodus, Oliver Reed as Proximo and the great Richard Harris in his final acting role.