Amadeus triumphs as gripping human drama, sumptuous period epic, glorious celebration of the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – and as the winner of eight 1984 Academy Awards, including Best Picture (produced by Saul Zaentz), Actor (F.Murray Abraham), Director (Milos Forman) and Adapted Screenplay (Peter Shaffer).

It’s 1781 and Antonio Salieri (Abraham) is the competent court composer to Emperor Joseph II. When Mozart (Oscar nominee Tom Hulce) arrives at court, Salieri is horrified to discover that the godlike musical gifts he desires for himself have been bestowed on a bawdy, impish jokester. Mad with envy, he plots to destroy Mozart by any means. Perhaps even murder.

• Amadeus: The Making of a Masterpiece - Celebrate 40 years of Amadeus in this exclusive featurette
• The Making of Amadeus Featurette