In 1969, the film 'Midnight Cowboy' was released with an 'X' rating due to its adult themes and depictions of urban decay and prostitution. Despite the rating (which was later changed to 'R' without any edits to the film), it went on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture in 1970. It remains the only film in history to win the top prize while carrying an X rating. At the time, the X rating didn't just mean pornography; it was often applied to serious, mature dramas that were deemed 'adults only.' The win was a major turning point for New Hollywood, proving that the Academy was willing to embrace gritty, counter-culture stories that challenged traditional social norms, marking the end of the wholesome 'Golden Age' and the beginning of a more cynical era of cinema.