L.A. Confidential

Two very different LA policemen (Russell Crowe and Guy Pearce in breakout performances) find themselves embroiled in a deadly conspiracy in 1950s Hollywood in this intricate mystery directed by Curtis Hanson, with nominated production designer Jeannine Oppewall making evocative use of authentic locations. The film won Oscars for Kim Basinger’s seductive supporting performance as well as Brian Helgeland and Hanson’s deft adaptation of James Ellroy’s labyrinthine novel. The film’s nine nominations also include Best Picture, Directing, Film Editing, Original Dramatic Score, Sound, and Dante Spinotti’s widescreen cinematography, which balanced the dazzling glamour of Hollywood with the encroaching darkness of the criminal underworld.