'Hamlet' - Best Adapted Screenplay (1996)
Kenneth Branagh managed an impressive feat when he directed and starred in the title role of his adaptation of Shakespeare's 'Hamlet'. He even managed to lure Julie Christie out of retirement.
It was understandable that the lavish drama would receive a few Oscar nods but instead of the classic Director or Actor gongs, Branagh got recognised for Best Adapted Screenplay.
While 'Hamlet' is an undeniable masterwork in literature, it couldn't have taken Branagh that long to pen the screenplay - it's a word for word, full length rip off of Shakespeare's original text!