In early February, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences officially announced the nominees for the 72nd Academy Awards. "American Beauty," an ethical drama film, received 8 nominations including Best Picture and Best Director. The 34-year-old director, Sam Mendes, made a sensational debut; he had been directing stage plays up until "American Beauty," which was his first film project. The film quickly became a classic in movie history, making Mendes a hot favorite for Best Director, a veritable supernova. Sam Mendes suddenly found himself the darling of the media.
Besides, "The Cider House Rules" and "The Insider" both received 7 nominations, making them one of the leading contenders for the Oscars that year.
