For nearly 50 years, the Academy had a strict unspoken rule: sequels were 'lesser' than original films and never won the top prize. This changed in 1975 when 'The Godfather Part II' won Best Picture. It was a historic moment, as the original 'Godfather' had also won Best Picture two years earlier, making them the only original/sequel pair to both win the top award until 'The Lord of the Rings' achieved a similar feat with 'The Return of the King.' Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, 'Part II' is often cited as a rare example of a sequel that matches or exceeds its predecessor. It also won Best Director and Best Supporting Actor (Robert De Niro), cementing its place as one of the greatest cinematic achievements in history.