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The 1991 film, Silence of the Lambs won the four major Oscars: Actor, Actress, Director and Film. Can you name the Oscar-winning actor, actress, and director?

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ANTHONY HOPKINS / JODY FOSTER / JONATHAN DEMME - entertainment illustration
ANTHONY HOPKINS / JODY FOSTER / JONATHAN DEMME — entertainment

The 1991 psychological thriller, The Silence of the Lambs, achieved a rare cinematic feat by sweeping the top categories at the 64th Academy Awards. Indeed, Anthony Hopkins, Jodie Foster, and Jonathan Demme were recognized for their exceptional contributions, earning the Oscars for Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Director, respectively. The film also secured the awards for Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay, making it only the third movie in Academy Awards history to win the "Big Five" and, to date, the most recent to do so. This remarkable achievement is even more significant considering The Silence of the Lambs remains the only horror film ever to win the coveted Best Picture Oscar.

Jodie Foster delivered a powerful performance as Clarice Starling, a young FBI trainee facing both external threats and internal struggles. Interestingly, Foster, already an Academy Award winner for "The Accused," was not director Jonathan Demme's initial choice for the role. However, her portrayal ultimately garnered widespread critical acclaim. Anthony Hopkins' chilling depiction of Hannibal Lecter, the brilliant yet cannibalistic psychiatrist, became instantly iconic, securing him the Best Actor Oscar despite his character appearing on screen for a mere 16 minutes. Jonathan Demme, who began his career directing B-movies, masterfully crafted the film's intense atmosphere and guided its compelling narrative, earning him the Best Director award. The film's enduring impact is a testament to the unforgettable performances and Demme's skillful direction, which immersed audiences in Clarice's harrowing journey.