The cinematic generation gap

Academy voters are often an inclusive bunch, sometimes managing to find room at the table for both the starched set and the ill-mannered revolutionaries. Any group that can nominate both “Bonnie and Clyde” and “Doctor Dolittle” in the same year wins points for … um … diversity, if nothing else.

Most years, tradition (yaaaaaawn!) prevails, though there have been a few cases in which the Now Generation has made it to the podium. Here are, in spirit, the “oldest” and “youngest” movies to win the Oscar for best picture.

OLDEST

• “Crash” (2005). Anyone who thought this was a progressive statement about race relations filled out their Oscar ballot while ordering the early-bird special at Norm’s.

• “Driving Miss Daisy” (1989). Despite its reputation, surprisingly unsentimental and light on epiphanies. But made half its box-office from matinee showings.

“Out of Africa” (1985). Still cherished, though not by anyone who has shopped Banana Republic since they phased out the safari gear.

“Chariots of Fire” (1981). Stiff upper lips. Slow-motion running. Vangelis.

“Around the World in 80 Days” (1956). And it feels like it too.

“Mrs. Miniver” (1942). Stiff upper lips. Flower shows. Tea time. Hitler.

YOUNGEST

“The Silence of the Lambs” (1991). Grand guignol à la Hollywood. Hope for “Black Swan” this year?

“Platoon” (1986). Oliver Stone at his blistering best.

“One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” (1975). Saner than Ken Kesey’s novel. Crazier than just about anything the academy has ever recognized.

“The French Connection” (1971). Brutish antihero takes no prisoners in William Friedkin’s thrilling slice of shock cinema.

“Midnight Cowboy” (1969). It was rated X. Need more be said?

“On the Waterfront” (1954). Put aside the self-justifying politics and focus on the beauty of Brando.