4/10/1972 The French Connection connects with Oscar

April 10, 1972.  On this date The French Connection won five Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Gene Hackman), Best adapted Script (Ernest Tidyman), and Best Director (William Friedkin).  The film was inspired by a true case involving New York City cops. It was the first R-rate movie to fetch home Best Picture.

Not surprisingly, MWA gave it the Edgar for Best Picture as well.