Nicholson deservedly bagged the Best Actor Oscar for his portrayal of novelist Melvin Udall, a guy who manages to embody pretty much every loathesome charactistic known to man. Melvin seems to hate everybody, but most of all he hates himself. Plagued by manic depression and compulsive behaviour disorders, Melvin rarely leaves his apartment except to visit his favourite eaterie, where he insults all who cross his path. Only his long-suffering favourite waitress seems to be the only person in the find out more...

Multi-Oscar-winning tear-jerker with King of Hollywood Hanks as the chump, sorry, Gump in question. As America's best loved bozo, he overcomes his immense naivety to become the hero of a nation, with the help of some ground-breaking computer wizardry. Unashamedly nostalgic feel-good fodder, or reactionary Bush territory �)*&, take your pick. find out more...

Donat is perfectly cast as the lovable teacher, in this classic British drama, reminiscing about his career and personal life over the decades, his rise from lowly Latin master to headmaster of a public school and the joys and tragedies which moulded his transformation. The film won a staggering seven Academy Awards. Hugely enjoyable. find out more...

Multi-Oscar winning romantic comedy that has Gable as the poor but honest hack who meets the snobbish, spoilt Colbert as she buses across the USA. He attempts to get through to her, and the byplay between the two stars is a model of skilful direction. Touching and funny in equal measure. Won five Academy Awards at the 1934 Oscars. find out more...

Homer Smith, an itinerant handyman, is driving through the Arizona desert when he meets five impoverished nuns. Stopping to fix their leaky farmhouse roof, Homer discovers that not only will the Mother Superior not pay him for the job, but she also wants him to build their chapel - for free! A wonderful feel-good movie about friendship, community and good, honest hard work with a performance from Poitier that earned him an historic Academy Award. find out more...

Geoffrey Rush won a much deserved Oscar for his portrayal of Aussie pianist David Helfgott. A dazzling drama, following David's rejection by his dad after enrolling at London's Royal College of Music, his subsequent descent into madness and the touching love affair which would be his redemption. find out more...