Michelle Williams recently took a trip down memory lane while promoting her new show, Dying for Sex, on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen. During the interview, host Andy Cohen expressed how much Brokeback Mountain meant to him personally and its place in his all-time favorite films.
“Brokeback Mountain is still in my top two movies of all time,” Cohen shared with enthusiasm. “Did you realize at the time just how much of an impact the film was going to have on people?”
Williams, reflecting on the experience, responded candidly, “Yes, because people were so open about it.”
Williams went on to explain how the movie connected with audiences in a way that was deeply moving, especially in the media junkets. “I remember doing the press tour, and you don’t get to see a lot of grown men cry. That’s when I think we all realized that it was going to be something special.”
The 2005 film, which followed the passionate yet secretive love affair between two men—Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal) and Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger)—spanned two decades and explored complex themes of love, secrecy, and identity. Williams and Anne Hathaway played their respective wives, who were unknowingly caught in the midst of this forbidden romance.
Despite its emotional depth and powerful performances, Brokeback Mountain didn’t take home the coveted Best Picture Oscar. Instead, the award went to Crash, a film starring Jennifer Esposito, Matt Dillon, and Sandra Bullock. This upset has remained a sore subject for many, including Cohen, who still can't let go of the snub.
"I was very upset about it," Cohen admitted. "I mean, Crash? Is that what won?"
Williams, not missing a beat, jokingly quipped, “What was Crash again?”
Both Cohen and Williams seemed baffled by the film’s lasting legacy—or lack thereof. “Who’s even talking about Crash now?” Cohen asked, a sentiment many share.
Brokeback Mountain director Ang Lee also opened up about his experience at the 2006 Oscars. He recalled how a stage manager told him to stay backstage while the nominees for Best Picture were being announced, as it was widely expected that his film would win.
“I got my award, which was [second to] last to the big one,” Lee shared. “Then, I saw Jack Nicholson’s profile as he opened the envelope, and my heart just sank. It took like 10 seconds before he announced, and then he said, ‘Crash.’”
In the years since, there has been speculation about whether Brokeback Mountain lost the Best Picture Oscar due to the film’s portrayal of a gay love story. When asked about this possibility, Ang Lee didn’t hesitate. “I think so, yeah,” he said, acknowledging that the film’s theme might have contributed to its loss in a more conservative, less accepting time.
Looking back, Brokeback Mountain continues to be a touchstone in cinematic history, especially for LGBTQ+ representation. The film broke barriers, and while it didn’t win Best Picture, it remains a beloved classic for its raw portrayal of love and its cultural significance.
For Michelle Williams, the film wasn’t just another role—it was a life-changing experience that left a lasting mark on both her and audiences worldwide.