I don’t think our community here at Awards Daily has ever looked more beautiful than it did last week when you all so graciously shared your “Coming to Oscars” stories. There wasn’t a single argument or war of words—it was almost a modern-day miracle. I say that mostly jokingly, but really, it was a rare moment of peace around here. To me, it was a reminder of what sharing our stories can do—it made us remember what inspired our passion for cinema and the Oscars, and it helped us realize we all share the same love. It was truly one of the coolest moments I’ve ever seen on Awards Daily.
Some of you have incredible stories to tell! As one of the younger folks here (I’m 33—though I’m sure there are a few younger), I’ve always been fascinated by your memories of seeing iconic cinematic moments in theaters—because, well, I didn’t get to experience those firsthand. My uncle once told me about seeing Rocky in theaters. For the record, I hate Rocky—but he described how people were running up and down the aisles, punching the air with Rocky, and cheering. He said it was wild, chaotic, and unforgettable—a crowd completely swept up by a movie. I love stories like that. Some of you got to see films in theaters that I’ll never get to, and some of you witnessed truly great cinema take home Oscars. That’s why I’m so excited as we move forward in our Let’s Talk Cinema series into the decades I only know through others’ experiences. You lived it, and I can’t wait to hear more of your stories. Please don’t stop sharing!
This week marks our last stop in the 2000s—before we move into the decade that really gets everyone worked up: the ’90s! I think we gave the 2000s a fair shot, and we covered a ton of great cinema. Sure, there were moments we probably missed, but this series isn’t meant to be a full academic deep dive—more a nostalgic, conversational stroll through the decade. That said, before we turn the page, I have one final assignment. Let’s call it The Favorites.
I want you to tell the class your ultimate favorites from 2000–2009:
– Your favorite movie
– Your favorite acting performance
– Your favorite Oscar acceptance speech
And of course—tell us why! Remember, sharing is caring.
Jerm’s Favorites of 2000–2009
Favorite Film: Inglourious Basterds
I firmly believe Inglourious Basterds is Tarantino’s masterpiece—thankfully, Tarantino agrees! From start to finish, it’s a thrill ride. The performances from Laurent, Kruger, Pitt, and the genius of Christoph Waltz are brilliant. I will die on the hill that Inglourious Basterds should have swept the Oscars in 2009.
The thing about Tarantino is that when the writing clicks, everything else falls perfectly into place. Using WWII and Adolf Hitler as a backdrop could’ve easily gone off the rails, but he weaved a story so sharp that the revisionist history feels both comical and cathartic. He’s never directed a tighter film. There are so many iconic scenes—the farmhouse opening with Shoshanna’s family, the tavern showdown with Diane Kruger lighting up the screen, the “It’s a bingo!” moment, and of course, the explosive movie theater finale.
Tarantino is my favorite director. Even his weakest film (The Hateful Eight) isn’t bad. But Inglourious Basterds is such a high achievement—it’s perfection. I honestly don’t know if even his 10th and “final” film will top it.
Runners-up: Almost Famous, Little Miss Sunshine, Lars and the Real Girl, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Favorite Performance: Marion Cotillard, La Vie en Rose
If “tour de force” had a definition, it would be Marion Cotillard in La Vie en Rose. Ironically, around the time this film came out, I was in my third year of French class. My teacher had us listen to various Édith Piaf songs and translate them as best we could. I fell in love with her voice—and to this day, I still find myself singing “Non, je ne regrette rien” and “Padam Padam.”
At the time, I had no idea there was a movie about her, let alone one that had just won an Oscar. When I finally watched it, I was blown away. I didn’t know who Marion Cotillard was, I’d never seen a foreign film, and suddenly I was watching my first French movie—about a singer I admired—performed by an actress giving one of the greatest performances ever captured on film.
I hadn’t known how complicated Piaf’s life was; I’d only known her voice. Marion brought her fully to life. Watching old footage after seeing the movie, I was stunned at how flawless her transformation was. The film itself isn’t perfect, but Marion’s performance absolutely is—one of the best to ever win an Oscar.
Runners-up: Javier Bardem (No Country for Old Men), Christoph Waltz (Inglourious Basterds), Meryl Streep (Doubt), Ryan Gosling (Lars and the Real Girl), Mo’Nique (Precious)
Favorite Oscar Speech: Adrien Brody, The Pianist
There were plenty of great speeches in the 2000s, but none more iconic than Adrien Brody’s win for The Pianist. He was the true underdog that night—he hadn’t won a single major precursor. Daniel Day-Lewis had taken SAG and BAFTA, and Jack Nicholson snagged the Globe. So when Halle Berry called Adrien’s name, the shock was written on everyone’s faces—literal gasps and “oh wow” mouths all around.
Then came the moment: Adrien walked up and gave Halle the kiss seen ’round the world. His speech was charming, heartfelt, and moving—he spoke about his friend and the world at war, and it felt genuine and humble. Last year’s speech was… fine, but I did love that he and Halle recreated their kiss on the red carpet, with Halle planting one on him this time!
I love this moment for Adrien—his win for The Pianist was one of those rare Oscar moments where the stars aligned perfectly, with a major upset, for the most deserving performance!
@editionsmax Adrien Brody wins Best Actor at the Oscars in 2003 #adrienbrody #oscars #bestactor #thepianist
Runners-up: Kate Winslet (The Reader), Julia Roberts (Erin Brockovich)
And with that, we bid adieu to the 2000s—the decade when I discovered and fell in love with the Oscars. I had no idea that passion would lead me here, but here we are. I look back on that era with so much fondness because those films opened a whole new world for me. It sounds dramatic, but it’s true—they changed my life.
I’m sure the ’90s will spark some lively debates in the weeks ahead, but for now, enjoy this final assignment. Share your favorite film, performance, and Oscar acceptance speech from 2000–2009. As always, be kind, be respectful, and of course—Let’s Talk Cinema!
