12 MEMORABLE BEST PICTURE WINNERS #12

MILLION DOLLAR BABY (2004)

77th Academy Awards

Nominated With:
The Aviator
Finding Neverland
Ray
Sideways

Directed By:
Clint Eastwood

Starring:
Clint Eastwood, Hilary Swank, Morgan Freeman

Synopsis:
This multiple Oscar winner follows a determined young athlete who, through her sheer determination, awakens a long-lost fire within two aging boxers. Despondent over a painful estrangement from his daughter, trainer Frankie Dunn (Clint Eastwood) isn't prepared for boxer Maggie Fitzgerald (Hilary Swank) to enter his life. Maggie's determined to go pro, and she eventually convinces Dunn and his cohort (Morgan Freeman) to help her get to the top.

Why this is a great choice:

The Academy struck gold in the 77th year by making some really great decisions in both the nominations and wins (Eternal Sunshine; The Incredibles; Before Sunset getting a nomination; etc). After making the wise choice the previous year, the Academy proved themselves to be making great progress with some of their selections (of course that would prove false with the following years pick of Crash as Best Picture). Maybe it is the love fest of Eastwood, but I think the beauty of Million Dollar Baby could not be denied from the voters. It is a heartbreaking noir and one of the great American films of the decade. Well done Academy!!

RECAP OF THE 12 MEMORABLE BEST PICTURE WINNERS:

- Million Dollar Baby (2004)

- The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

- Unforgiven (1992)

- Amadeus (1984)

- Ordinary People (1980)

- Annie Hall (1977)

- The Godfather (1972)

- The Apartment (1960)

- The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)

- The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)

- Casablanca (1942)

- How Green Was My Valley (1941)