Gays in the Limelight

Brokeback Mountain (2005): Heath Ledger (left) and Jake Gyllenhaal (right) star as Wyoming ranch hands, who have a turbulent lifelong affair. It was the first major movie to star two A-list actors in gay romantic leading roles. The film was both a commercial and critical hit, despite early fears that its controversial subject matter would mean only limited success at the box office. It garnered eight Oscar nominations -- the most of any film of 2005, including nods for best picture, best director, and best actor. (Kimberly French)