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Most represented · 6+ films

More recurring directors · 3–5 films54

All directors · surname A–Z438

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View Cabaret film page

Poster artwork for Cabaret — Original poster artwork · Great Cinema Master List

Spoiler-free premise

In 1931 Berlin, performer Sally Bowles and writer Brian Roberts form an uneasy intimacy as Nazism grows beyond the Kit Kat Club.

Read expanded premiseLonger, still spoiler-free

American performer Sally Bowles sings at Berlin's Kit Kat Club and befriends British writer Brian Roberts, who rents a room at her boarding house. Their relationship, patrons, and ambitions unfold in 1931 as Nazi presence becomes harder to dismiss.

Why it belongs

Cabaret makes nightclub performance a cutting mirror of private compromise and public fascism through choreography, editing, and Minnelli's fearless Sally.

Read expanded why it belongsThe fuller editorial case

Under Bob Fosse, Liza Minnelli's bravura Sally keeps performance exhilarating even when it shields denial and need. Canted cabaret framing, isolating spotlights, abrupt cuts, and Joel Grey's direct address make the Kit Kat Club commentary rather than escape.

Major award record

Metadata only · zero points in 40/40/20

Academy Awards8 wins1973 · official ceremony record ↗

Directing1973 · Bob Fosseofficial ceremony record ↗Actress1973 · Liza Minnelliofficial ceremony record ↗Actor in a Supporting Role1973 · Joel Greyofficial ceremony record ↗

Plus 5 additional wins

Golden Globes3 wins1973 · official film record ↗

Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy1973 · Cabaretofficial film record ↗Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy1973 · Liza Minnelliofficial film record ↗Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture1973 · Joel Greyofficial film record ↗

BAFTA7 wins1973 · official BAFTA 1973 Film Awards results ↗

Best Film1973 · Bob Fosseofficial BAFTA 1973 Film Awards results ↗Best Direction1973 · Bob Fosseofficial BAFTA 1973 Film Awards results ↗Best Actress1973 · Liza Minnelliofficial BAFTA 1973 Film Awards results ↗

Plus 4 additional wins

Totals include every recorded competitive win. Only Picture or top-film honors, Direction, Screenplay, and lead or supporting performances are named.

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Film Club

Descriptive guidance derived from rating, genre, runtime, mood, and GCML scores.

Institutional reference ranks

Sight & Sound—IMDb Top 250—AFI 10063

Reference metadata only · not part of the 40/40/20 score

Great Cinema Master List scores

Greatness9.3

Engagement9.1

Ease8.2

English · Not Rated
Narrative Feature
Mood: Gripping