But how well do the Academy Award choices of 13 years ago hold up?
Weve taken a look…
Were going to come back to some of those.
HasThe Departedstood the test of time though?
About as well as the other nominees on the list.
As he acknowledged in his speech, he knew a lot of people wanted the prize for him.
Both, Id argue, comfortably eclipseBabel, a film I barely hear anyone talk about anymore.
The obvious snub on the nominee list isGuillermo del Toro, again forPans Labyrinth.
But thats more down to the quality of what he did with that particular role, a genuine standout.
2016 also saw him in the sci-fi double header ofArrivalandRogue One: A Star Wars Story.
That said, what a field she was up against.
A standout movie, too.
In fact, he was reported to have left the Kodak Theatre before the show had ended.
When Alan Arkins name was announced, it was a genuine surprise, although not an unwelcome one.
And ten years on, the impact ofLittle Miss Sunshinehasnt disappeared.
Itd be remiss not to nod to the others who missed out.
A tough role, in a little seen film.
Jennifer Hudson had a great story behind her exceptional performance inDreamgirls, having come to prominence viaAmerican Idol.
Its just a pity that in recent years she hasnt found acting roles to match her talents.
She did after all just appear in, um,Cats.
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Babelremains interesting.
Not least the acting, reflected in the number of nods its performers attracted.
And Ennio Morricones honorary Oscar hasnt stopped him working.
The two best films nominated, however, were in my view in the Best Foreign Language film category.
HerePans Labyrinth, which picked up a trio of Oscars elsewhere, actually lost out.
A pity, as its something really very special, indeed.
