The Graduate (1967): Film Notes and Scores

Director:

Cast:

Poster artwork for The Graduate — Original poster artwork · Great Cinema Master List

Spoiler-free premise

A recent college graduate finds himself in a love triangle with an older woman and her daughter.

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Recent college graduate Benjamin Braddock returns to his parents' California home without a plan and begins an affair with family friend Mrs. Robinson. When his parents encourage him to date her daughter Elaine, secrecy and indecision become impossible to contain.

Why it belongs

The Graduate registers postcollege drift through alienated framing, Simon and Garfunkel, brittle comedy, and Hoffman's uncertain Benjamin.

Read expanded why it belongsThe fuller editorial case

Aquarium glass, swimming pools, modernist houses, long lenses, and recurring Simon and Garfunkel songs place Benjamin inside a polished world that feels airless. Dustin Hoffman's passivity and Anne Bancroft's control keep the comedy edged with unease.

Major award record

Metadata only · zero points in 40/40/20

Academy Awards1 win1968 · official ceremony record ↗

Directing1968 · Mike Nicholsofficial ceremony record ↗

Golden Globes5 wins1968 · official film record ↗

Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy1968 · Graduate, Theofficial film record ↗Best Director - Motion Picture1968 · Mike Nicholsofficial film record ↗

Plus 3 additional wins

BAFTA5 wins1969 · official BAFTA 1969 Film Awards results ↗

Best Film1969 · Mike Nicholsofficial BAFTA 1969 Film Awards results ↗Best Direction1969 · Mike Nicholsofficial BAFTA 1969 Film Awards results ↗

Plus 3 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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