Who Directed the 'Oscar' winning film of 2000, 'American Beauty'?
American Beauty (1999 film) American Beauty (1999 film) American Beauty is a 1999 American drama film written by Alan Ball and directed by Sam Mendes in his feature film directorial debut. Kevin Spacey stars as Lester Burnham, a 42-year-old advertising executive who has a midlife crisis when he becomes infatuated with his teenage daughter's best friend, Angela (Mena Suvari). Annette Bening co-stars as Lester's materialistic wife, Carolyn, and Thora Birch plays their insecure daughter, Jane. Wes Bentley, Chris Cooper, and Allison Janney also feature. The film is described by academics as a satire of American middle-class notions of beauty and personal satisfaction; analysis has
American Beauty (1999 film) several voters who were in attendance. In February 2000, "American Beauty" was nominated for eight Academy Awards; its closest rivals, "The Cider House Rules" and "The Insider", received seven nominations each. In March 2000, the major industry labor organizations all awarded their top honors to "American Beauty"; perceptions had shifted—the film was now the favorite to dominate the Academy Awards. "American Beauty"s closest rival for Best Picture was still "The Cider House Rules", from Miramax. Both studios mounted aggressive campaigns; DreamWorks bought 38% more advertising space in "Variety" than Miramax. On March 26, 2000, "American Beauty" won five Academy Awards: