2001 – Erin Brockovich
“Gladiator” was a visually stunning film starring Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix; the film deserved praise and accolades, but not the Best Picture Oscar. “Erin Brockovich” is one of the strongest female characters in cinematic history: a single mom working to support her family while also pursuing a career in law, acting as a voice for people who don’t have one.