A Look at 2003’s Best Films as Oscar Season Aproaches

ByABC News
February 5, 2004, 6:40 PM

Jan. 8 -- Even though Hollywood had a tough year, with ticket sales down for the first time in almost a decade, it was a pretty good year for those of us on the other side of the screen.

On Jan. 27, we'll find out which films will be the big competitors on Oscar night. In the meantime, here's my list of 2003's top films. The top five are the ones I'd nominate for best picture.

Bend it Like Beckham, Seabiscuit, Something's Gotta Give, The Station Agent and Monster were near-misses, at least on my top 10.

Note that the rules say no documentaries (or Fog of War, Capturing the Friedmans and Spellbound would have made the list) and no foreign-language films (or Barbarian Invasion and City of God would have made it, too).

No. 10: School of Rock

School of Rock surprised me. Movies like this aren't supposed to be this good. I loved it for two reasons: One, the kids in the class look like America. Two, it was just more fun to watch than any other movie this year.

No. 9: American SplendorNot only do Hope Davis and Paul Giamatti play real people in American Splendor, and the real people they're playing actually show up in a film that mixes documentary, fiction and animation.This is the first film from co-directors Robert Pulcini and Shari Springer Berman, and it's rare that a first-time film this original is executed so splendidly. The future of film is in good hands.

No. 8: Dirty Pretty ThingsI don't want to tell you what Dirty Pretty Things is about because discovering what it's about is part of the fun of watching this near-perfect thriller. It's not dirty. It's not pretty. Bad title. Great film.

No. 7: Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World

I can't think of another film actor who combines the physical, intellectual and emotional aspects of his craft better than Russell Crowe. And I mean any actor ever. With action in this tall-ship adventure so real, the snack bars sell popcorn, soft drinks and Dramamine.