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2003 Best Picture Oscar: Want a do-over?

Nov 18, 2008, 04:10 PM | by Gary Susman

Categories: Oscars 2009, Recall the Gold

Lordringsoscar_l The 2003 Best Picture Oscar race was one of the few times the Academy voters, the critics, and moviegoers were all in sync. No one was surprised or disappointed when The Lord of The Rings: The Return of the King won Best Picture. (In fact, it won all 11 awards it was nominated for.) If anything, the award seemed like recognition for all three films in Peter Jackson's trilogy, as they were all part of one massive project, filmed at the same time but released over three consecutive Decembers. Given the enormous scope of Jackson's accomplishment at turning the seemingly unfilmable Tolkien saga into movies that were critical successes, fanbase pleasers, and colossal worldwide hits, the award seemed well-deserved, but even judging Return of the King on its own merits -- the thrilling battles, the heartbreaking intimacies of Sam and Frodo's friendship, and the long and poignant farewells -- it was still the most cathartic moviegoing experience of the year.

That's no slight on the other Best Picture contenders. Lost in Translation remains a dreamy gem of a film. Mystic River turned the crime drama into an emotionally wrenching Greek tragedy. Seabiscuit transformed a typical underdog sports story into a national epic. And Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World remains one of the decade's most woefully underrated movies, a thoroughly satisfying banquet.

Looking back from today's perspective, which of these films do you think is the best? Vote in our poll, and list your comments below. (For a refresher, watch the clips embedded after the jump, which may contain some NSFW language.) Remember, we'll be running the Recall the Gold surveys every Tuesday and Thursday until January, so you may go back at any time and vote in the other polls (click here to see them all), reexamining the Oscar races of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years ago. On Thursday, Nov. 20, we'll look at the 1988 Best Supporting Actress competition. Watch also for commentary and context throughout EW.com, including on Dave Karger's Oscar Watch blog.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King trailer

Lost in Translation trailer

Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World trailer

Mystic River trailer

Seabiscuit trailer


john Fri, Jun 19, 2009 at 01:48 AM EST

"lost" lost me in the last 2 minutes of the flim, what did he say to, no what could he have said to her to to give this movie! can someone throw me a rope! Check please!

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Chuck P. Sat, Feb 14, 2009 at 03:43 AM EST

I lived for each LOTR movie to hit the screen, thoroughly lost myself in each one of the movies--HOWEVER-- in 2003 I thought the BEST movie was definitely "House of Sand and Fog". Amazing acting all around, wonderful plot that drew you into it deeper and deeper with a wide range of emotional ups and downs. Shoreh, the Iranian born actress, award was well deserved and Ben Kingsley had to be hard for the voters to pass over; Jennifer Connelly gave her finest performance up to that point in her career, maybe her best ever. It was one of those movies that once you had watched it you knew you had to see it again, and then again. I also thought that In America should have been a nominee but I guess you could only have 5 so just chalk that one up to it was a great year for movies. But House of Sand and Fog was definitely the best movie of a year of good movies.

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Ron Thu, Dec 11, 2008 at 06:27 PM EST

Of the five I think I enjoyed Seabiscuit the best, followed closely by Master and Commander.

Ian Tue, Dec 2, 2008 at 03:43 PM EST

For once I finally have some idea about the nominations having seen all but one. That would be 'Mystic River' but Eastwood would win a year later for 'Million Dollar Baby' so it's cut! 'Seabiscuit' is next to go; while sweet I agree, it was a little too sweet for a win in my opinion. Frankly, of the five I would have replaced it with 'Cold Mountain' in that case 'Cold Mountain' would have won! But it wasn't so it didn't! 'Master & Commander' was visually good but otherwise boring in my mind so it goes too. 'Lost in Translation' is great, it rightfully won Original Screenplay, but LOTR, hadn't won yet, and the third film was the best film- it had to win. Should it have won 11 Oscars in total? No, but Best Picture, yes!

Sal Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 11:46 PM EST

Though FOTR was my favorite of the 3, I'm so glad ROTK won. And they tried to lobby Andy Serkis for a Supporting nom (for TTT), but because he wasn't really on screen, he didn't get it.

Martha Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 02:03 PM EST

I'm surprised at all the 'Lost in Translation' animosity. It perfectly captured that sense of dislocation and suspension of reality when you're far from home and normal life, and all the actors (especially Bill Murray) did an incredible job. It might not be on the same grand scale as the other four films, but it was a fine movie.

Steven Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 11:32 AM EST

I loved and own "Lost in Translation," "Master & Commander," and the Lord of the Rings films (and I don't buy that many DVDs). But RotK/LotR is the one that I am most likely to watch again and again (it was on TNT this weekend and I couldn't help but watch) and always come away completely satisfied. The trilogy (and RotK alone) is a towering cinematic accomplishment and deserved its accolades. Can't believe this is even up for debate, despite the strength of the field that year. As others have said, why aren't we debating clear miscarriages of justice, like "Titanic" over "L.A. Confidential" or "Crash" over "Brokeback Mountain?"

Jennifer Mon, Dec 1, 2008 at 03:17 AM EST

I really wanted to like the LOTR movies. They had amazing actors, special effects, and a genuinely interesting story. The problem? These movies bored me to tears. They go on and on and on (and on) way longer they should. Especially this one that won the Oscar. There was at least 3 TIMES I thought it was ending, and it would have been a good time to do so. Instead it dragged on. The dialogue is all speeches and solemn pronouncements and that also got on my nerves. It felt so pretentious. Guess I'll chalk this one up to cultural phenomenons I JUST DON'T GET. What's it worth I thought Master and Commander and Lost in Translation were both wonderful.

Ithilia Moon Sat, Nov 29, 2008 at 03:44 AM EST

Lord of the Rings deserves the oscar. It´s the best film ever!!!!!!

tsgarp Wed, Nov 26, 2008 at 02:28 PM EST

WOW! All the hate for LOST IN TRANSLATION is amazing! Doesn't surprise me considering the movies that win at the box office week in and week out.

Anyhow, not only was LOST IN TRANSLATION the best film of 2003, it was also the best film in the last several years.

KittyJules Mon, Nov 24, 2008 at 05:31 PM EST

LOTR's was totally deserving of the Oscar. In fact, the last time I enjoyed the Oscar telecast. Especially the utter disappointment of watching Crash winning over Brokeback Mountain. I'm still not over that loss. And I agree with others here that Saving Private Ryan was the most deserving movie, and should have one over Shakespear in Love. Hello? I carried SPR for over 2 days, tortured over the images I saw and the storyline. Such a wonderful movie!!

DihOH Mon, Nov 24, 2008 at 04:10 PM EST

This is the dumbest article ever. Of course it deserved to win. If you are going to write an article on movie that didn't deserve an Oscar then make it for something obvious, like Chicago or No Country for Old Men.

I also agree with Rob Grizzly that Fellowship should have won Best Picture.

Sun, Nov 23, 2008 at 10:15 PM EST

ROTK. It was voted the absolute best film in 10 other aspects of cinema (it won 10 other awards, after all). Wouldn't it thus stand to reason that it would win best picture? Or do 10 other awards mean that it really wasn't that great of a film?

This whole thing just seems silly to me. Why are we voting over this?

Sun, Nov 23, 2008 at 02:45 PM EST

Okay, just why is this relevant? It's been years since it was awarded, so who cares? I think there are more important things to worry about IMHO. But of course I do believe that RotK deserved each and every award it won. My only criticism is that Sean Astin was looked over for Best Supporting Actor. Go figure.

Christine Sun, Nov 23, 2008 at 02:17 PM EST

There isn't even any question here. The Return of the King was by far the best picture, and deserved the awards.

Sun, Nov 23, 2008 at 01:18 AM EST

THE RETURN OF THE KING DEFINITELY DESERVED IT! WITHOUT QUESTION!

Bereth Sun, Nov 23, 2008 at 12:13 AM EST

I thought so then and I still think the same: LotR/RotK totally deserved it. Even given that it probably received its votes for the entire 3 film package, it was worthy of it either way. It outshone any film that night.

Legend Sat, Nov 22, 2008 at 08:32 PM EST

The best picture won, hands down. "Return of the King" Forever!!!

Jo Sat, Nov 22, 2008 at 08:13 PM EST

How is this even debatable? RotK is the clear winner. No contest.

shdrew Fri, Nov 21, 2008 at 07:04 PM EST

Ah, so glad to see that people are hating Lost in Translation. I cannot for the life of me understand why such praise was heaped on it. I love indie films, but every once in a while I'll watch an indie film that turns out to be a huge bore, and LIT definitely falls into that category. Another boring nominee here is Seabiscuit. I love animals, but that movie was awful, awful, awful. I haven't seen M&C, so I can't comment on that. I liked Mystic River, except for Tim Robbins's awful overacting (and to think he got an Oscar while Sean Astin wasn't even nominated?!) The last LOTR was great...until the 20 bajillion false endings. Two Towers is, IMO, the best of the LOTR movies. But I think in this best Oscar race, of the four pics I have seen, the right film won. P.S. Otis, you rock! And Emily, I'm with you - Finding Nemo definitely deserved a spot in the Best Pic race and I'd even have given it the award over LOTR.

hassan Fri, Nov 21, 2008 at 06:25 PM EST

oh my god i cant believe some people here are bickering over the fact that any other movie should have won other than return of the king. it honestly and trully deserved evry accolade it got including best picture. i have seeen it a hundered times and am willing to see it any time and anywhere, also return of the king was by far the best the trilogy has to offer, it set unparralled presedents for the future of not only fabtasy films but also films in other generes. these films were the impetus for my love for tolkiens work and esprcially ROTK.

Mark Thu, Nov 20, 2008 at 09:33 PM EST

Hey aps, you would have loved "Weekend Update" on Saturday Night Live the week after the Oscars that year. They quickly reviwed the show, then said "There was one embarrasing security incident after a homeless man made his way to the podium" - then cut to that picture of Peter Jackson!

Antonio Cunha Thu, Nov 20, 2008 at 06:32 PM EST

This note doesn't belong to this poll but... as someone as written bellow I was also shocked when the mediocre movie “Crash” won over “Brokeback Mountain” (or even “Munich”) in 2005! That is a shame for Academy members!
It's like to give an award for Salieri with Mozart in competition... Sad!

Antonio Cunha Thu, Nov 20, 2008 at 06:26 PM EST

I still don't know why a lot of Americans - as I can seen in these opinions - don't like "Lost In Translation"?! I believe is a memorable movie by Sofia Copolla! Cheers for her too. I would, without any doubts, put this movie as my second choice for the Oscar of Best Movie, after “ROTK”! Johansson & Murray play soo nice. It's tender and captures the essence of being alone amongst the World! And why friendship IS the most important thing in our lives.
“Mystic River” is an opus by Eastwood. The volatile characters played brilliantly by Sean Penn, Marcia Gay Harden and Tim Robbins. I was glad that Sean Penn get the prize but – this is for sure – Bill Murray also deserved the Oscar. Anyway two strong performances in 2 memorable movies.

I didn’t saw “Seabiscuit” but I didn’t like “Master & Commander” by Peter Weir. I liked the authenticity of the ships and the life in it, but the fabulous BD “Passagers of The Wind” of the french author François Bourgeon is way better than this movie.

Antonio Cunha Thu, Nov 20, 2008 at 06:14 PM EST

I think "ROTK" is - and will allways be - the best of the five. Inspite of FOTR still be the better of the Trilogy, "ROTK" is a movie with soul, joy and love. It's a labour of love by top notch filmmakers, producers, designer, artists, musicians... A fantasy theme wich is beyond fantasy. It's big! Yes! Gladly it is! Just this time. I love all the endings. It's strength came from the inside of the nature of the story. It's not easy to made such a film with soooo many characters without losing its way. Peter did! Peter did three films! I think he deserved to be remembered and cheered for such an achievement!

Will continue... :)

Rob Grizzly Thu, Nov 20, 2008 at 05:45 PM EST

You make a good point, Ceballos. If there's one thing about the subjectivity of these awards ceremonies, it's that there's ALWAYS someone out there to dispute the win. No matter what the year, no matter what the category. Well stated.

I still think Transformers' 5,000-individual-moving-parts machines were more impressive than The Golden Compass' talking animals (2007 Best Visual Effects)

Thu, Nov 20, 2008 at 01:24 PM EST

Not only will I argue that Return of the King deserved the Oscar, but Fellowship also deserved the Oscar. Really? Beautiful Mind better? Really?

Ken A. Thu, Nov 20, 2008 at 12:58 PM EST

Well, looks like I'm gonna be alone in my pick: "Seabicuit", the one film of the five that I love to watch again. It was a really well-done period-piece film with a serious yet inspirational message; great performances from Maguire, Bridges, and Cooper; and technically beautiful as well. I agree that Peter Jackson deserved recognition for his epic LOTR trilogy, say a Best Director award. But as one movie, "Return of the King" was alternately exciting and tedious, particularly the long climb up the mountain and the very drawn-out ending. In my book, "Fellowship of the Ring" was the best of the three--I can watch that anytime, while it is difficult to get through "Return" again. At any rate, I've never been so out of the mainstream as in 2003. My other 4 nominees (besides "Seabiscuit") would have been "House of Sand and Fog", "In America", "The Station Agent", and "Pieces of April", all much better films in my view than the four that were nominated. A really disappointing year for me!

Dave Thu, Nov 20, 2008 at 09:01 AM EST

Why this one? Why consider this one? This is the easiest decision the Academy EVER had to make. Clearly no other movie has ever APPROACHED the scope and challenge of the Rings, and to win against every front, the already-fans in particular, but also the critics and new fans, was nothing short of phenomenal. Lets instead reconsider why Peter O'Toole didn't win for Lawrence of Arabia....a performance since voted the the greatest of all time, but not even Oscar'd in its own year!

ArthurOfAlbion Thu, Nov 20, 2008 at 08:25 AM EST

Even if (as seems likely) each of the three Rings film presentations provided the best movie-going experience of the year in which it was released, there would still be good reason for a Best Picture award to be given only once in response to all three. The so-called "trilogy" was really just one film, since the plot's main conflict persisted through all three segments, being resolved only in the third. Also, to award three BP Oscars for the LotR film would be to treat it as though it were about three times better than, say, 'Ben Hur', which it obviously wasn't.

your mom Thu, Nov 20, 2008 at 05:52 AM EST

considering TLOTR should have won the two years prior as well, i'm voting for ROTK.

Ian Thu, Nov 20, 2008 at 03:09 AM EST

what is the point of all this? lame. Bill Murray plays the same character, no matter the movie: that's why i dislike him, especially Groundhog Day.

But seriously, if we're gonna talk about overrated movies for best picture, what about Crash? I think Brokeback should have won that year. it could certainly been about how people are more accepting of race and racial identities rather than homosexuality....

prop 8...ok, just my opinion.

jon Wed, Nov 19, 2008 at 11:13 PM EST

Recall
'Lost in Translation' was above and beyond better than most of the nominees ('Mystic River' was really good, but its flaws were too gaping).

Not a huge fan of 'Return of the King' (or 'The Two Towers', but I absolutely loved 'Fellowship of the Ring'). I thought it was too long, dull in many parts, and as weird as it might sound, I thought it had too much CGI stuff. It was entertaining but I think it's really overrated.
But also think that was a really weak year for great movies. And 'Return of the King' made so much money and was so popular.
O well, I certainly wasn't surprised at all watching the show that night.

Otis Jefferson Wed, Nov 19, 2008 at 09:44 PM EST

NoSenseofHumor:
Sean Penn won his oscar for "Mystic River," one of the movies whose loss to "Return of the King" is being debated here. His performance in "I Am Sam" (the one you blindly referenced) was generally panned and considered offensive by many, thus setting the stage for the "Simple Jack" send-up this past summer. You and anyone else as inherently ignorant as yourself deserve the worst in life. I hate you. I hope your fate involves being forced to watch "Lost in Translation" on a continuous loop for the rest of your life. I hope you end up in prison, and are viewed as nothing but a screaming hole by some musclebound skinhead sodomite. Burn in hell, and I hope that God has no mercy for your worthless excuse for a soul.

NoSenseOfHumor Wed, Nov 19, 2008 at 07:35 PM EST

I think ROTK was the right choice in 2003, even though on subsequent viewings the movie does drag a bit. Ok... a lot.

And I agree with all who were lost on why Lost In Translation got any attention at all. Even Scarlett in her underwear couldn't save it.

But my pet peeve with 2003 will always be giving the Oscar to Sean Penn for screaming "Iz zat my dotter in dare? about 17 times in a row.

Honestly folks, he can't act. He should only win an award when his competition is Colin Ferrell, Ben Affleck, Hayden Christensen and Steven Seagal.

Domino Wed, Nov 19, 2008 at 06:01 PM EST

You know, the Academy is made up of trained professionals who are more than familiar with what works and what doesn't in the field in which they're voting. That's why average opinionated movie-goers are not the ones deciding who wins. Thank God.

namar Wed, Nov 19, 2008 at 05:21 PM EST

Ceballos,

i completely agree with you... Ellen Burstyn was robbed for Best Actress.... the biggest snub in The Academys History... right along With Requiem For A Dream not even being nominated for "Best Picture" "Best Director" "BEST SCORE!" "Best Editing" and "Best Supporting Actress"

the academys been a slope ever since...

London Wed, Nov 19, 2008 at 05:06 PM EST

I remember watching that year and being so disapointed that master and commander didn't win as a love of the books, movie, and Russel Crowe! I did and do think it got robbed.

Stephanie T. Wed, Nov 19, 2008 at 02:27 PM EST

Wow! Peter Jackson is short!

GeeMoney Wed, Nov 19, 2008 at 12:18 PM EST

Lost In Translation was one of the most god-awful films that I have ever seen. It was insanely boring and while I really like Bill Murray, I didn't see an Oscar-worthy performance there.

LOTR #3 was the bomb, and deserved ever last Oscar it won.

Emily Wed, Nov 19, 2008 at 11:49 AM EST

I realize that it wasn't nominated for best picture, but I would like to take this opportunity to nominate "Finding Nemo".

Ceballos Wed, Nov 19, 2008 at 10:58 AM EST

Rob Grizzly,

I totally see where you're coming from. Obviously you have no trouble understanding the concept of these posts, so my last mini-rant wasn't aimed at you.

I can see where you're coming from in wanting these items to feature more controversial decisions because they are more likely to prompt discussion.

However, since the Academy Awards are HIGHLY subjective, I bet you wouldn't have to go very far until you found more than a few people to dispute EVERY SINGLE Oscar win ever. So how would you decide which races to feature in these items. I mean, sure there are some very (in)famous Oscar decisions (Burstyn/Roberts, Shakespeare/Private Ryan, Crash/Brokeback), but beyond that, what criteria would you use in choosing which races and categories to discuss. Well, you would probably pick races in which you, personally, felt someone had been robbed. That's subjective, as well.

The easiest way is to have set guidelines: hence the 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 years. Just my 2 cents

Celimene Wed, Nov 19, 2008 at 10:42 AM EST

That's a problem, Nix. Billy Boyd was in both M+C and Return of the King.

Agree with the people that said Sean Astin was overlooked for Best Supporting Actor. He was the soul of the last act of the film. Also sad that Big Fish wasn't nominated that year, but it really was an embarassment of riches.

Rob Grizzly Wed, Nov 19, 2008 at 10:40 AM EST

I'm in disagreement with Ceballos. Yes, we understand the little concept here with the 5, 10 ,15... years ago do-overs. But the problem is many of these years don't need do-overs because the Academy got it right. It's like asking a question you already know the answer to. I guess these just seem like a waste of time to me. Some of us want a REAL discussion, about past noms who were robbed.

Anyway, all of 2003's movies were a bit overrated so even if Lord of the Rings wasn't good, it would have won by default. A weak year, overall. (Though, I did really like Mystic River)

Michelle Wed, Nov 19, 2008 at 09:54 AM EST

Return of the King deserved to win. I'm one of those people that thinks that all 3 LOTR movies should have won, but I get why ROTK won rather than the others. Peter Jackson did a fantastic job. That said, Master and Commander would have won in any other year. Love that movie!

Ceballos Wed, Nov 19, 2008 at 09:28 AM EST

I hate to sound like I'm annoyed, but I guess I sort of am.


For people repeatedly asking why this column doesn't review the Ellen Burstyn/Julia Roberts decision or others, FINISH READING THE ITEM.


This series takes a look at the major races from 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 years ago. "Requiem for a Dream" and "Erin Brockovich" came out in 2000. That's EIGHT years ago so, no matter how many times people ask for it, a Burstyn/Roberts item is NOT going to happen. (Besides, what's the point? We KNOW Burstyn WUZ robbed.)


I also kind of like that this item is not just looking at winners that were controversial or potentially undeserving. I like that it looks back at ALL the winners, even if they were completely deserving. To me, part of the fun of this item is to see how these past films have held up all the time and whether they'd win again if the race were held today.


Judging by the comments on this board, I'd say that's a resounding "yes" for ROTK.

Nix Wed, Nov 19, 2008 at 08:57 AM EST

I'm with whichever movie has Billy Boyd in it.

Yellowhat Wed, Nov 19, 2008 at 07:17 AM EST

I'm still baffled sometimes by the films critics seem to fall in love with. Is Bill Murray a good actor? Yes. Scarlett Johansen? Yes. Giovanni Rabisi? Of Course. But Please..Lost In Translation is a boring un-gem of a movie. I could care less who whispered what in who's ear. So overrated. LOTR deserved the win..Even up against Mystic River.

Beckie Wed, Nov 19, 2008 at 03:36 AM EST

Clearly Lord of the Rings: Return of the King deserves the Oscar. This was one of those few times Oscar didn't get it wrong. It's a movie that will stand the test of time, and one that truly epitomizes an Oscar movie. What is truly tragic is that they waited three years to truly recognize the trilogies achievements. I wish every Oscar year could be a year filled with such great movies, and with the perfect winner.

Alex Wed, Nov 19, 2008 at 02:49 AM EST

Out of the nominees I would vote for Lord of the rings as a vote of appreciation for the series as a whole

But the best film of the year I believe was Cold Mountain which didnt have two films before it to build upon as a single film its the best.

aps Wed, Nov 19, 2008 at 02:32 AM EST

The thing I would've changed was Peter Jackson. Give him a shower and a pressed suit. That's all. I don't know why, but that has bugged me to this day.

d$ Wed, Nov 19, 2008 at 01:10 AM EST

Otis... tell us how you really feel, brother. Don't hold back anything. Seriously. Let it flow, man, and don't be vague... did you like "lost in translation" or not?

aaron Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 11:58 PM EST

I guess I'm one of the few who don't think ROTK deserved the oscar. I mean, it was pretty good but way to long and way to much battle. Mystic River was clearly the best out of the five nominees. It had some of the best acting i've seen in years, the story was told magnificently, and the direction by clint eastwood was second to none. I don't believe ROTK should have won just because the trilogy as a whole was good. It was the 2003 best picture race, not the 2001-2003 race.

Benny Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 11:53 PM EST

Overall, 2003 was a poor year for movies. I can't stand Lord of the Rings, and Return was the worst of the three. BIG FISH was the best film of that year.

James Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 11:45 PM EST

Lord of the Rings as a whole was a vastly overrated series. If I had to choose one of the films to win instead, Mystic River would get my choice.
However, I'm still bitter about the backlash against Cold Mountain, a film far more engrossing than any of the five nominees. It's a shame it wasn't even nominated, but trash like Seabiscuit always finds its way into the top five.

Otis Jefferson Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 11:23 PM EST

"Lost in Translation" is the cinematic equivalent of having one's face submerged into the anus of a rhinoceros for two very long hours. I saw it for free and still feel that my time would have been better spent reading Artie Lang's coked-up ramblings while sitting on the toilet with 4 days' worth of backed up constipation. If there is a God, he would regret creating the universe based solely on the existence of this trash committed to celluloid.

Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 10:35 PM EST

The "Lord of the Rings" trilogy is so over-rated, but if any of them was deserving of Best Picture, it was definitely not "The Return of the King," a bloated and boring mess.

Ralph Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 10:22 PM EST

I completely agree with hunter Lord of the Rings clearly desrved the win for all the reason that were listed. While Ellen Burstyn's performance is the most unforgettable acts i have ever seen, better than Julia Roberts.

Rahul Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 10:11 PM EST

I think 'Mystic River' was the best film of that year, so I voted that way, however 'The Return of King' definitely deserved the Best Picture award. The 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy was a great achievement on every level and the filmmakers earned every recognition they got those 3 years.

Hunter Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 10:06 PM EST

Who is choosing the categories to be discussed? This year, like you said, is one year when the Academy, critics, and the public were in sync; therefore, why discuss it when there are 100s of other categories that are debatable... Like the 2001 Best Actress race, where Julia Roberts and her smile stole the award from Ellen Burstyn (who gave one of the greatest screen performances EVER!)

Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 10:02 PM EST

W

Casey Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 09:54 PM EST

2003 was a remarkable year for movies. I can barely remember the Best Picture contestants of the past few years or so...in my opinion No Country and the The Departed were good films, but won simply because the competition was so weak.

Now, for 2003 I adored simply every single Best Pic contestant. All these movies were not only poignant, but exciting and thrilling cinematic experiences as well. Master and Commander, LOTR, Mystic River + Seabiscuit managed to be "prestige" films without sacrificing the entertainment + thrill value, something Best Pic contenders lack nowadays.

I re-watch Master and Commander regularly, and grow to love it more and more with every re-viewing. Mystic River is one of my all-time favorite movies. Lost in Translation is a truly wonderful film, and I never get tired of watching Seabiscuit, either. And LOTR is the best of the five. Simple as that.

kim in kentucky Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 09:32 PM EST

oh of course, RTK!! Actually, the first should have won over A Beautiful Mind. Wished that Sean Astin had been nominated - he was the heart of the films.

M&C is also WONDERFUL film and was sadly overlooked by the public -guess they weren't ready to buy Russell Crowe in a frilly shirt. And I agree with Wildecat - shouldn't it be for films/actors/directors that not should not have won, but prob should not have even been nominated?

John Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 09:08 PM EST

I think the other two films didn't win because voters didn't want to reward an epic that falls apart at the end of the film. Its funny because 2003 was the only year where the academy really got it right with five great films.

Jason Tue, Nov 18, 2008 at 09:02 PM EST

probie123, if you click on the "Recall The Gold" link above, you'll find that the very first blog post was about the 1998 Best Picture race. Like you and 58% of voters, I agree that "Saving Private Ryan" holds up better over time.


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