2005 was a great year for movies. There were a plethora of comedies, action, horror drama and animation movies but only five very well received 2005 movies were nominated for the most prestigious Best Picture of the Year Academy Award. The nominees were announced in February and the 78th Annual Academy Awards ceremony was held on March 5, 2006 in Hollywood, California.
The Aviator, starring Leonardo DiCaprio was in the running. This film told the story of Howard Hughes, an aviator and Hollywood film director who suffered from phobias which left him paranoid and anti-social. The all-star cast included Gwen Stefani, Alec Baldwin, Kate Beckinsale and Cate Blanchett. The film was produced by Michael Mann and Graham King.
Ray, another bio-pic starring Jamie Foxx was also nominated as best picture of the year. It tells the story of Ray Charles who was a famous pianist who lost his sight at a very early age and went on to become a legend. The film also features Kerry Washington and Regina King. It was produced by Howard Baldwin, Taylor Hackford and Stuart Benjamin.
Finding Neverland told of story of J.M. Barrie, a writer who befriends a family in England. This family inspires him to write the Peter Pan adventures that are so popular today. The film starred Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet, two very acclaimed actors. The film was produced by Nellie Bellflower and Richard N. Gladstein.
Sideways was another nominee in the best picture category. This smaller budget film was not short on laughs as two old college roommates drive to wine country to celebrate one s last week as a single man. They find romance and danger all while sampling the best wines in the country. The film stars Paul Giamatti, Thomas Haden Church, Virginia Madsen and Sandra Oh. It was produced by Michael London.
Million Dollar Baby is about a hardened coach who softens to a woman from poverty who is determined to become a professional boxer. This unconventional love story is touching and poignant. The films stars Hilary Swank, Clint Eastwood and Morgan Freeman. The film was produced by Tom Rosenberg, Albert S. Ruddy and Clint Eastwood. The film was so well received it won the Academy Award for Best Picture of the year.
The film also picked up Academy Awards for Best Director, Clint Eastwood, Best Supporting Actor, Morgan Freeman and Best Actress, Hilary Swank. Since being nominated is such an honor, winning four Academy Awards is quite an accomplishment.