On this day in 1995, ‘Braveheart’ was released widely into theaters by 20th Century Fox. Mel Gibson both directed and starred in the historical epic that followed Scottish warrior William Wallace. The film was inspired by a 15th-century epic poem that chronicled Wallace’s efforts in the First War of Scottish Independence against King Edward I of England. ‘Braveheart’ won five Academy Awards for Best Picture, Director, Cinematography, Makeup, and Sound Editing. [30 years ago in 2025]