How did this do so well at the Oscars ?

Rating: 7/10 (14 March 2004)

How did this do so well at the Oscars ? I'm not questioning the merit of the awards, just that it's not the sort of film you would expect to walk away with many of the leading gongs.
The main story follows the FBI investigation into the series of murders attributed to Buffalo Bill. Clarice Starling (Foster) is a student agent who is sent to interview Cannibal killer Hannibal Lecter (Hopkins). During these interviews it becomes clear that Lecter had met Bill as a patient when he worked as a psychiatrist. Will Clarice be able to get Lecter to disclose who Bill is before Bill kills again ? Very good movie with excellent performances from the 2 leads and well worthy of the academy's recognition. 8/10