#79. maggie smith in gosford park

the crotchety lady trentham is a perfect representation of old, upper-class british society. and who better to play such a detestable creature (who still manages to deliver lines with more wit and tongue-in-cheek-satire than any other member of the incredible ensemble cast) than one of britain's greatest performers? 

*nominated for 2001 best supporting actress oscar;

lost to jennifer connelly in a beautiful mind (which sucked).

greatest moment: on the drive to sir william mccordle's stately home, lady trentham's insistence that her driver pull over, in the pouring rain, so that her maid (kelly mcdonald) can remove the lid of an uncooperative thermos.