He followed the film with '' Broadway Bill '' ( 1934 ) , a screwball comedy about horse racing . The film was a turning point for Capra , however , as he began to conceive an additional dimension to his movies . He started using his films to convey messages to the public . Capra explains his new thinking : This added goal was inspired after meeting with a Christian Scientist friend who told him to view his talents in a different way : Capra began to embody messages in subsequent films , many of which conveyed " fantasies of goodwill . " The first of those was '' Mr. Deeds Goes to Town '' ( 1936 ) , for which Capra won his second Best Director Oscar . Critic Alistair Cooke observed that Capra was " starting to make movies about themes instead of people . " In 1938 , Capra won his third Director Oscar in five years for '' You Ca n't Take It with You '' , which also won Best Picture . In addition to his three directing wins , Capra received directing nominations for three other films ( '' Lady for a Day '' , '' Mr. Smith Goes to Washington '' , and '' It 's a Wonderful Life '' ) . On May 5 , 1936 , Capra hosted the 8th Academy Awards ceremony
8th Academy Awards
8th Academy Awards
Frank Capra