To Kill a Mockingbird (1962): Film Notes and Scores

Director:

Cast:

Poster artwork for To Kill a Mockingbird — Original poster artwork · Great Cinema Master List

Spoiler-free premise

In 1930s Alabama, lawyer Atticus Finch defends a Black man falsely accused of rape while raising children Scout and Jem.

Read expanded premiseLonger, still spoiler-free

Young Scout Finch observes life in segregated Maycomb, Alabama, with her brother Jem and friend Dill. Their fascination with reclusive neighbor Boo Radley unfolds alongside father Atticus's defense of Tom Robinson, a Black man accused by a white woman.

Why it belongs

To Kill a Mockingbird filters legal injustice through childhood observation, with Peck's Atticus embodying decency without making the town's prejudice abstract.

Read expanded why it belongsThe fuller editorial case

Porches, tree hollows, courthouse balconies, summer night sounds, and Scout's perspective connect neighborhood mystery to public injustice—Gregory Peck's measured Atticus gives conscience-bound authority weight through patience rather than force.

Major award record

Metadata only · zero points in 40/40/20

Academy Awards3 wins1963 · official ceremony record ↗

Actor1963 · Gregory Peckofficial ceremony record ↗Writing (Screenplay—based on material from another medium)1963 · Horton Footeofficial ceremony record ↗

Plus 1 additional win

Golden Globes3 wins1963 · official film record ↗

Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama1963 · Gregory Peckofficial film record ↗

Plus 2 additional wins

Cannes1 win1963 · official festival record ↗

Plus 1 additional win

No headline-category win to name

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