2005: The Year of Gay
And thank God for it. This year there were a wide range of gay characters wonderfully depicted on screen including Happy Endings, Rent, The Producers, The Family Stone, Capote, Breakfast on Pluto, Transamerica, and of course Brokeback Mountain. I know it may be corny to talk about, but I think it is really a landmark year in this aspect for film. For so long, gay-themed films have been handled too timidly, too forcefully, or just...badly. Not this year. And hooray for cinema. Overall, I thought it was somewhat a weaker year for films, BUT I do think it's one of the strongest with directing, acting, etc., and that can be seen by looking at the great nominees below (though SActor was weak as hell, but nothing new there). There are three new categories this year, and I added them because I am a huge fan of great scenes in movies. They are Opening, Ending, and Scene of the year. I hope you enjoy the picks and the overall nominations below.

Every year I say it, but this year I am probably going to have no option but to hold it true. These are pretty much final. 50 films and I am done. I organized them all into these lovely nominees. And regarding winners, they will be announced next weekend, and more than likely on the 24th or the 26th. Those are the most free days I have to do it. So, enjoy these nominees below and look for the winners soon. 

Winners in GOLD, Runners-up in SILVER, and 2nd runners-up in BRONZE.

Picture

Brokeback Mountain (Focus Features)	The Family Stone (20th Century Fox)	Good Night, and Good Luck. (Warner Bros. Independent)	Junebug (Sony Pictures Classics)	Pride & Prejudice (Focus Features)
For showing that love truly has no boundaries. Everything is perfectly crafted as well, from the ensemble cast, to the flawless writing and directing, it's truly the best film of the year.	For taking the Holiday family film and re-inventing it. Bezucha rests on the strength of his actors and the faith of knowing about and nailing the interaction among members of family. Funny and heartwarmingly moving at the same time	For making a seemingly boring topic both very important and surprisingly entertaining. The way the movie completely sucks you in and doesn't let you go until the end credits are done is a great accomplishment.	For perfecting this look at a Southern family into a stunning and perfect character study. You can relate with each character, especially bug-eyed Ashley, played brilliantly by Amy Adams.	For making a period piece that's been done before not feel old or tired. Great Victorian period pieces are hard to come by these days, and this one is the best since Sense & Sensibility.

RUNNER UP: (#06)Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, for being a fresh and unique animated film that made me laugh so much. I loved this story of this 'dynamic duo,' so to speak. HONORABLE MENTION: (#07)The Family Stone, for being a Holiday dramedy that feels fresh and unique and that doesn't fall into "Lifetime Movie of the Week" material; (#08)Rent, for entertaining me and getting me so very involved with what was happening on screen, even though the movie isn't near as good as the stage version; (#09)Broken Flowers, for a beautiful portrayal of a man who is trying to sort out his past in an attempt to define his meaning and purpose; (#10)Shopgirl, for creating a character that almost anyone could relate to and the attempts of both she and an unusual partner in finding love

 

 

Director

Ang Lee Brokeback Mountain	George Clooney Good Night, and Good Luck.	Rodrigo García Nine Lives	Terrence Malick The New World	Joe Wright Pride & Prejudice
For taking what many called an impossible task and soaring with it with so much success. Only in the hands of a brilliant filmmaker could a story like this be brought to life. It wasn't forced. It wasn't preachy. It was real, and with his bitterly honest mind, it is no wonder that he not only got some of the best performances of the year, but the best movie of the year. Which scene proves it? The love scene.	For being so damned attractive. No, I'm kidding. Clooney did something here that I didn't think he had in him. He took this piece of our history and accurately and effectively portrayed it on screen. The best part of his work is how he nailed the camera styles and techniques of the 50s. Which scene proves it?  Any scene cutting from one camera angle of Murrow to another.	For  never losing focus. He knows that the most important thing regarding these stories is the character. And he never falls away from that. It's so mind-boggling to think too that each major scene of the film looked as if it was shot in one take. And to do that and get such stellar acting out of his actors...true skill. Which scene proves it? Following Diana in the grocery store.	For portraying the main character in the film as not a person but the environment and the worlds around these people. He never shies away from it either, and his quiet scenes of nature and the interaction between it and the people are the highlights of the film. Which scene proves it? The amazing shots of the beautiful new world(s). Simplicity at its best.	For doing what a lot of directors couldn't. I don't think people (myself included) realize how difficult a film of this nature would be to direct and do so successfully. Wright did it from his beautiful focus of characters in his party scenes to Darcy walking up to Lizzie during the misty morning. What a directorial debut.  Which scene proves it? The second party scene.

RUNNER-UP: (#06)Phil Morrison, brilliantly capturing life in the big moments but even moreso with the quiet moments that we sometimes take for granted for Junebug HONORABLE MENTION: (#07)Fernando Meirelles, never losing sight of this political drama about a woman who wants nothing more than to save innocent people for The Constant Gardener; (#08)Anand Tucker, beautifully capturing those shots of loneliness and togetherness panning from bedroom to sky for Shopgirl; (#09)Woody Allen, more for the way the camera moves more than anything else making it seem like the camera is another character itself for Match Point; (#10)David Cronenberg, for building up so much tension in both those close-up shots and those wonderful far-off shots as well for A History of Violence

 

 

Lead Actor

Jake Gyllenhaal as "Jack Twist" in Brokeback Mountain	Heath Ledger as "Ennis Del Mar" in Brokeback Mountain	Matthew MacFadyen as "Mr. Darcy" in Pride & Prejudice	Bill Murray as "Don Johnston" in Broken Flowers	David Strathairn as "Edward R. Murrow" in Good Night, and Good Luck.
For being gorgeous!! In all honesty, he did wonderful work, and his performance in BM belongs in Lead. Regardless, his onscreen chemistry with Ledger is astounding, and he was great too in the otherwise disappointing Jarhead. He has proven this year he will be around awhile.  Which scene proves it? Driving away from Ennis.	For doing much more than just playing against type. This is such a complete performance and it deserves much more praise than just, "He plays a gay cowboy." He knows this character so well and really became this character. Every word he utters will cut you like a razor. Which scene proves it? The quieter scenes, especially when he first talks a long time to Jack.	For his glances. His eyes will completely enchant you and put you under a spell. I am surprised I am nominating him, personally, but from the first moment I saw this 'miserable poor soul,' he stole my heart. The refinement of his feelings is shown perfectly as well. Which scene proves it? Admitting his love for Lizzie. "You have bewitched me..." *melts*	For doing nothing. That's what he does throughout this movie, but the way he does it is a huge accomplishment. Then he emerges with little moments of recollect or self-realization, and that's when he impresses even more. You can't not fall in love with this performance. Which scene proves it? At the gravesite.	For being so captivating. This performance is one that has to be seen to be believed. I dare you to watch this and try to look away during the moments he is gracing the screen. This is no imitation and it doesn't feel like acting. It's like you are watching the real Edward R. Murrow. Which scene proves it? Putting the blame on ourselves.

RUNNER-UP: (#06)Russell Crowe, a boxer trying to keep his family alive by reviving what made him successful in his prime in Cinderella Man HONORABLE MENTION: (#07)Philip Seymour Hoffman, captivating as the beloved author of In Cold Blood in Capote; (#08)Nathan Lane, an owner of perfect comic timing as a desperate Broadway producer in  The Producers; (#09)Cillian Murphy, rising above the poorly written material of his film as a cross-dresser looking for himself in Breakfast on Pluto; (#10)Yagira Yuyu, a young boy abandoned by his mother and taking on the responsibility of his siblings alone in Nobody Knows

 

 

Lead Actress

Claire Danes as "Mirabelle" in Shopgirl	Rosario Dawson as "Mimi Marquez" in Rent	Felicity Huffman as "Bree Osbourne" in Transamerica	Q'Orianka Kilcher as "Pocahontas" in The New World	Keira Knightley as "Elizabeth Bennett" in Pride & Prejudice	Reese Witherspoon as "June Carter" in Walk the Line
For being Claire Danes. I have always loved her so very much, and this performance is such a rich and mature one that proves she has serious lasting power and very real talent. It's just a crying shame that the majority of the film community didn't appreciate this performance more. Which scene proves it? Saying goodbye to Ray.	For knowing the character which she didn't originate on Broadway and soaring with it. She will tease you with her seductive dance number "Out Tonight" and then completely tug at your heart with her fighting addiction and choosing between that and a great love in "Without You." Not to mention she can surprisingly sing well. Which scene proves it? Gazing into Roger's eyes during "Your Eyes."	For the laughs, then the serious moments, then the laughs again. It's something only Huffman could have done. I hate that she is getting labeled by some as 'the one who changes her appearance,' because this performance is so much more than that. It's a perfectly crafted performance. Which scene proves it? Breakdown in the doctor's office.	For being 14 and delivering a performance that some 30-year-olds could only dream of giving. It's in her body movement and with the nonverbal language of her eyes where she shines the most. This performance is sheer perfection and the best young performance I have seen in many years (sorry Keisha). Which scene proves it? Pick a scene. Any scene.	For shocking the hell out of me. Who knew she had this in her? She totally captures the essence and strong will of the beloved Austen character who everyone doesn't just love, but love to love. And her scenes with MacFayden are so smoldering. She captures Lizzie's vulnerability, and she made me notice her talent. Bravo. Which scene proves it? Confronting Mr. Darcy in the rain.	For showing she can do anything. She was born to play this role and she soared with it. In the hands of anyone else, this would have been a mess of a performance. She makes you laugh but also breaks your heart as well. It's much more than just an imitation here, and that is award-worthy in and of itself. Look at her track record as an actress already. Wow. Which scene proves it? Driving up to her ranch. "I fell in..."

RUNNER-UP: (#07)Charlize Theron, a woman being subjected to sexual harassment in the workplace while trying to keep her family together in North Country HONORABLE MENTION: (#08)Judi Dench, a hilariously spirited widowed woman trying to make her money and life meaningful in Mrs. Henderson Presents; (#09)Lisa Kudrow, not bringing Phoebe to the role of a woman looking for her lost son in Happy Endings; (#10)Joan Allen, an alcoholic woman coming to terms with being left alone with her four daughters in The Upside of Anger

 

 

Supporting Actor

Gary Beach as "Roger DeBris" in The Producers	Wilson Jermaine Heredia as "Angel" in Rent	Jesse L. Martin as "Tom Collins" in Rent	Donald Sutherland as "Mr. Bennett" in Pride & Prejudice	Luke Wilson as "Ben Stone" in The Family Stone
For being so damned hilarious. How could you watch him in this movie and not just laugh until you cry? In a weaker year, he might not make it in, but even still, it's a very deserving nomination and is one of the funniest of the year, by far. Which scene proves it? Gaying up Hitler.	For knowing the character he created on the stage backwards and forwards and staying so very faithful to that character (along with his on-screen boyfriend) more than the rest of the cast. And let's face it. He's beautiful as a man AND as a woman. Which scene proves it? "Today 4 U"	For stirring up my emotions so much that I cried like a wailing baby during the funeral scene. Even though he suffered the worst from looking older than his character more than anyone else in the cast, he still brought so much power and emotion during his scenes. And his voice... Which scene proves it? "I'll Cover You (Reprise)"	For knowing the Austen character and playing the British father of so many young girls so well. He sticks by his little Lizzie and that scene at the end when he gives her his approval is so emotionally charged. I had forgotten how good this performance was.  Which scene proves it? Giving Lizzie his approval.	For never failing to make me laugh. This is one of the best comedic performances of the year, yet it's one of the most touching and heartwarming as well. The chemistry between he and Parker is wonderful and made the boyfriend-swapping very believable. Which scene proves it? On the benches with dad.

RUNNERS-UP: (#06)Paul Giamatti, for never losing sight of his character's passion for his fighter, in Cinderella Man (#07)Clifton Collins, Jr., a young man trying to forget his murderous actions in Capote HONORABLE MENTION: (#08)Peter Sarsgaard, a soldier who wants nothing more than to shoot his gun to prove he is doing something meaningful in Jarhead; (#09)Richard Jenkins, a father battling between standing by his daughter and turning his back on her in North Country; (#10)Craig T. Nelson, a loving husband and father who does nothing better than loving his family in The Family Stone; (#11)Bob Hoskins, a theater manager upholding not only a theater but also a sneaky and spry widowed lady in Mrs. Henderson Presents

 

 

Supporting Actress

Amy Adams as "Ashley" in Junebug	Diane Keaton as "Sybil Stone" in The Family Stone	Rachel McAdams as "Amy Stone" in The Family Stone	Rachel Weisz as "Tessa Quayle" in The Constant Gardener	Michelle Williams as "Alma Del Mar" in Brokeback Mountain
For adding layers to the chatty Southern girl archetype. It all seems like just an imitation of so many of the characters that have come before her, but it all leads up to that pivotal scene where she is faced with loss and ultimately loneliness. In that scene, the character became unique and the actress became one of the best of the year. Which scene proves it? "Why would God do that?"	For proving to me that she still has it in her. She annoyed me in Something's Gotta Give, but here, she sheds Diane Keaton, and I really felt like she was playing something and someone out of her realm. She nails every scene with great humor and also touching moments with each of her on-screen children. Which scene proves it? Signing to her son that she loves him. *tear*	For having "it." She is gorgeous, but she can also act her ass off both comedically and dramatically. She nails the "hateful, bitchy sister" archetype, but she puts her own spin on it, too. From the mimicked clearing of the throats to that long gaze at the top of the tree, one of the best performances of the year. Which scenes prove it? Seeing the picture.	For showing in a single glance such pain and such despair. This is such a sympathetic role and with this performance, she has proven herself worthy as an actress. I know many have stated it, but she reminds me so much of Kate Winslet. Yet she is still her own. Which scene proves it? Breast-feeding the African baby in the hospital.	For saying nothing. Those are the scenes that prove Williams is one of the strongest actresses of the year. There are so many scenes where she says nothing, but that silence is so loud, and it's because of her acting. And in her big scene, she didn't overdo it. Bonus points for that. Which scene proves it? Getting handed Alma Jr., and breaking down.

RUNNER-UP: (#06)Robin Wright-Penn, a woman experiencing stirring feelings of a lost love from her past in Nine Lives; (#07)Lisa Gay Hamilton, an abused daughter facing her past and confronting her abusive father in Nine Lives HONORABLE MENTION: (#08)Maria Bello, wife and mother who is trying to hold her family which is falling apart together in A History of Violence; (#09)Glenn Close, woman searching for the meaning and purpose of life in Nine Lives; (#10)Anne Hathaway, a Texan wife who faces painful realization with a pivotal phone call in Brokeback Mountain; (#11)Celia Weston, a cold Southern mother who is misunderstood yet understandably so in Junebug;  (#12)Kathy Baker, cancer patient coming to terms with her illness and the impact it has on her whole life in Nine Lives; (#13)Maggie Gyllenhaal, struggling singer and nymph who unexpectedly finds love but then must run away from it because of her actions in Happy Endings; (#14)Taraji P. Henson, living with her pimp turned boyfriend who lends her helping vocals to a pivotal and important song to a struggling rapper in Hustle & Flow; (#15)Thandie Newton, pissed off wife who wants her husband to grow some balls in Crash; (#16)Idina Menzel, lesbian-singing, flirtatious diva who can't help that both boys and girls have stared at her since puberty in Rent

 

 

Adapted Screenplay

Brokeback Mountain Larry McMurtry & Diana Ossana	Junebug Angus Maclachlin	Pride & Prejudice Deborah Moggach	Shopgirl Steve Martin	Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit Steve Box, Nick Park, Bob Baker, and Mark Burton
It will go down as one of the greatest love stories of all time. Beautifully adapted and wonderfully crafted to perfection.	The dialogue is fresh and this story of a Southern family is so chillingly accurate and effective.	How do people adapt Austen? Thompson did it beautifully, and Moggach did it too. This adaptation was mesmerizing.	Initially the narration for this movie was borderline annoying, but it was very effective in the end and this story was such a treat.	I was so happy to see a lot of people including this in adapted, because I needed a nominee that I felt passionate about to go here.

RUNNER-UP: (#06)Greg Araki, adapting this disturbing yet chillingly real story of two young boys and their struggle in unraveling their pasts for Mysterious Skin HONORABLE MENTION: (#07)Jeffrey Caine, a story of one woman who wanted nothing more than to expose the politics and help the people of a third world country she called home for The Constant Gardener; (#08)Josh Olson, a story with many more meanings and layers than you would initially think for A History of Violence; (#09)Dan Futterman, bringing to life the most crucial moments of beloved author Truman Capote's life for Capote; (#10)Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan, adapting the hilarious and over-the-top musical from Broadway so wonderfully for The Producers

 

 

Original Screenplay

Broken Flowers Jim Jarmusch	The Family Stone Thomas Bezucha	Good Night, and Good Luck. George Clooney & Grant Heslov	Match Point Woody Allen	Nine Lives Rodrigo García
For writing a fresh, funny, witty, and touching script of one guy searching for himself and not making it too clichéd.	Bezucha deserves credit because he didn't let this fall into sappy and over-sentimental territory.	For bringing up this part of our history that people so easily forget and for making it interesting and not boring.	The wedding ring throw and use of the opera alone make this a viable and very deserving nominee.	This task could not have been easy. He ultimately had the responsibility of writing 9 scripts. Wow.

RUNNER-UP: (#06)Don Roos, many different stories that are held together and come together beautifully for Happy Endings HONORABLE MENTION: (#07)Paul Haggis, though heavy-handed, this story of ethnic prejudices is highly effective for Crash; (#08)Terrence Malick, taking a story we already know and creating it his own and doing so accurately for The New World; (#09)Akiva Goldsman, Cliff Hollinsworth, and Ron Howard, creating a story of perseverance and strength that doesn't become overly-sentimental for Cinderella Man; (#10)Judd Apatow and Steve Carrel, creating the most laugh out loud and hilarious moments of the year for The 40-Year-Old Virgin

 

 

Cast Ensemble

Brokeback Mountain Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Williams, Anne Hathaway, Linda Cardellini, Kate Mara, Randy Quaid, Anna Farris	The Family Stone Claire Danes, Diane Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Dermot Mulroney, Craig T. Nelson, Sarah Jessica Parker, Luke Wilson	Junebug Amy Adams, Embeth Davidtz, Ben McKenzie, Alessandro Nivola, Celia Weston, Scott Wilson	Nine Lives Kathy Baker, Amy Brenneman, Glenn Close, Dakota Fanning, Holly Hunter, Joe Mantegna, Aidan Quinn, Sissy Spacek, Robin Wright-Penn, etc.	Pride & Prejudice Keira Knightley, Matthew MacFadyen, Brenda Blethyn, Rosamund Pike, Donald Sutherland, Jena Malone, Judi Dench, etc.	Rent Rosario Dawson, Taye Diggs, Wilson Jermaine Heredia, Jesse L. Martin, Idina Menzel, Adam Pascal, Anthony Rapp, Tracie Thoms
So much focus has been on the two main leads, but this whole ensemble is tremendous. I hate that Kate Mara especially hasn't received enough praise for her small and effective performance.	Each cast member here was given a chance to shine and sparkle, and each one of them surely did. This is the best example of true ensemble acting.	A lot have solely focused on Adams, but this whole cast did a great job of capturing this Southern family. Nivola and Weston especially did this the best.	Such a huge cast and it barely misses out on the #1 position here. Though the writing of the movie is great, it's really the cast that carries it. This is what great cast ensembles are made of.	As I stated above with Sutherland, he knew the character as did this whole huge ensemble cast. They nailed them all down to the littlest tick and movement.	I was hesitant in including them because of Pascal and Rapp, but the dynamics among the cast of the movie Rent made it much better than it would have been had another cast been present.

RUNNER-UP: (#07)Good Night, and Good Luck., each cast member not lousing up any of the 50s era TV journalists. HONORABLE MENTION: (#08)Crash, another tremendous example of true ensemble acting even though the material around them may be a little too in your face; (#09)Happy Endings, with a huge cast never making the material around them fall into the pretentious and annoying category; (#10)Broken Flowers, featuring a stellar lead performance with many cameo performances for him to work off of.

Breakthrough Performer

After re-watching Pride & Prejudice again this week, I realized just how skillful and brilliant the execution and direction of this movie was handled. It could have been so easy for a director to go into this project and not do what Wright did, but along came Wright and he directed his film to one of the overall strongest of the year. Look for him to be around while, and one day finding himself nominated for award after award. I can't wait to see what he does next!

 

 

Actor/Actress in a Limited Role

Brian Cox as "Alec Hewitt" in Match Point	Ian McShane as "Larry" in Nine Lives	Frank Hoyt Taylor as "David Wark" in Junebug	Mark Webber as "The Kid" in Broken Flowers	Ray Wise as "Don Hollenbeck" in Good Night, and Good Luck.
Judi Dench as "Lady Catherine" in Pride & Prejudice	Roberta Maxwell as "Jack's Mother" in Brokeback Mountain	Beverly Todd as "Graham's Mother" in Crash	Sharon Stone as "Laura" in Broken Flowers	Ginnifer Goodwin as "Vivian Cash" in Walk the Line

 

 

Best Opening Scene

The 40-Year-Old Virgin Woody in the morning	Brokeback Mountain Silence between two lonely cowboys	Broken Flowers Journey of a letter	Good Night, and Good Luck. Gathering for a celebration party	Rent "Seasons of Love"

 

 

Best Ending **WARNING: possible spoilers**

Brokeback Mountain Finding the shirt, and "Jack, I swear..."	The Family Stone Decorating the tree	Happy Endings "Just the Way You Are"	The New World From the life of Pocahontas to the shots of nature	Pride & Prejudice "Mrs. Darcy...Mrs. Darcy...Mrs. Darcy"

 

 

Best Scene (excluding opening and ending)

Brokeback Mountain Alma confronts Ennis	Brokeback Mountain Alma sees Ennis and Jack	Brokeback Mountain Ennis holds and sings to Jack	Broken Flowers Don talks with the boy	Cinderella Man Baer vs. Braddock
The Family Stone Awkward dinner	Good Night, and Good Luck. "We only have ourselves to blame."	Junebug Ashley goes into labor	Junebug Ashley's breakdown	King Kong Climbing the Empire State Building
Nine Lives Maggie at the graveyard	Pride & Prejudice Darcy meets Lizzie during at misty dawn	Pride & Prejudice Lizzie confronts Darcy	Rent "La Vie Boheme"	Shopgirl Goodbye to Ray

 

 

Art Direction

Good Night, and Good Luck. James Bissell	King Kong Grant Major	Memoirs of a Geisha John Myhre	Mrs. Henderson Presents Hugo Luczyc-Wyhowski	Pride & Prejudice Sarah Greenwood
Just look how perfect the TV sets are. Even down to the smallest detail this art direction was nailed.	The strongest part of the movie from one of the most amazing production designers out there. Just look at those island sets.	The movie blows overall, but it is such a beautiful movie, especially the art direction which captures the time period and setting perfectly.	The stage sequences alone are worthy of this nomination, but I was also very impressed with the street scenes and bombing scene too.	I was reminded at the greatness of this work when watching the trailer and seeing the scene where Lizzie is in the piano room with Darcy.

 

 

Cinematography

Brokeback Mountain Rodrigo Prieto	Cinderella Man Salvador Totino	Good Night, and Good Luck. Grant Heslov	The New World Emmanuel Lubeski	Pride & Prejudice Roman Oshin
Those beautiful scenes up on Brokeback Mountain were so beautifully shot. Look too at how good the scenes are too in the house.	The look of this film felt so real that I wanted to jump through the screen and be in the crowd watching Braddock fight.	I don't know how anyone could watch this movie and not think it should be nominated here. Just look at the whole film. Just beautiful.	The main character of the film is the new world itself and the cinematographer's responsibility here was great and he lived up to it.	No question this is among the best jobs of the past ten years regarding cinematography. Lizzie and the hilltop and Darcy walking up to her during the mist. Perfection.

 

 

Costume Design

Chronicles of Narnia Isis Mussenden	Memoirs of a Geisha Colleen Atwood	Mrs. Henderson Presents Sandy Powell	The New World Jacqueline West	Pride & Prejudice Jacqueline Durran
The costumes as a whole were wonderful, but it's really the costumes of the White Witch that place this movie firmly in this category.	Just like with the art direction, the costumes in this movie were just flat-out beautiful.	Obviously. Though some of the scenes were clothing optional, the costumes that we did see were very much among the best of the year.	I especially adored the costumes of Pocahontas and all of those grittier looking costumes of the pilgrims.