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2001. It’s more than just a Space Odyssey. It’s a year of film, one that is decades old at this point. We’re on the verge of these movies becoming “classic,” at least the good ones. Say, how many good movies are there? Who gave the best performances in 2001’s films? And what is the best movie? That’s a question I am not entirely sure of. I do know the Oscar winner for Best Picture will not be my choice. A Beautiful Mind? Yeah, no thanks.
Best Supporting Actress: Parker Posey, Josie and the Pussycats
Yeah, that’s right. Fight me. I am a big fan of Josie and the Pussycats. It’s a delight. Posey is chewing the scenery, but she’s crushing it. It’s an offbeat, hilarious performance. She’s the perfect villain for a light, breezy comedy. Posey did not phone it in. She went all in.
Best Supporting Actor: Owen Wilson, The Royal Tenenbaums
There are a few strong supporting performances in Wes Anderson’s film. I almost went with Luke, who has the more-dramatic story. However, I think Owen’s performance is a bit stronger. He’s got memorable lines and tics. Anderson and the Wilsons are friends going back to college, so it’s not surprising they knew how to work together well.
Best Actress: Rachel Leigh Cook, Josie and the Pussycats
I will not be stopped. Look, who else should I award? Reese Witherspoon in Legally Blonde? OK, I almost did that. There was not a single lead performance from an actress in a dramatic role in 2001 that stuck out to me. Cook gave an all-time charming performance as Josie. She rules in this movie. She gets my award.
Best Actor: Denzel Washington, Training Day
Here is a place where me and the Oscars see eye to eye. I do not love Training Day. It’s a little dark and a little formulaic. It just is an elevated version of the formula. Washington’s energy is non-stop engaging, though. He’s so compelling. He and Hawke are the reason this movie works at all. They supercede the grimness that can get heavy handed.
Best Picture: The Royal Tenenbaums
No, I didn’t go with Josie and the Pussycats. That’s a top-five film for 2001 for me but, hey, I know the difference between really fun and really quality moviemaking. The Royal Tenenbaums is a better movie. It looks great and has a killer ensemble. The story is compelling, funny, and sometimes even moving. Anderson is perhaps my favorite director, so in a down year for him he stands out.
