From the hundreds of movies released last year, a few left a lasting impact; scenes that inspired, moments that became part of our lives.

On Sunday, March 26, the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts will open the sealed envelopes to reveal the winners of the most prestigious awards in show business, the Oscars.

rediff.com presents a special look at six films which have been nominated for the Oscars, with interviews, behind-the-scenes images and, of course, scenes from the movies.

The Insider, a gripping drama which takes on the tobacco industry, is directed by Michael Mann, starring Al Pacino and Russell Crowe.

The Sixth Sense was last year's biggest blockbuster. Writer-director Manoj Night Shyamalan weaves a scary tale of a young boy (Haley Joel Osment) who sees dead people all the time.

American Beauty is a black comedy which exposes the empty and tormented lives of people living the American dream. Superbly directed by Sam Mendes, it stars Kevin Spacey and Annette Bening.

The Green Mile, based on the Stephen King novel, is directed by Frank Darabont who was earlier nominated for The Shawshank Redemption. It stars Duncan Clark as a man on death row with a gift to heal, along with Tom Hanks.

The Matrix, directed by the Wachowski Brothers, is a futuristic vision in which the virtual world has taken over human lives. The film, which stars Keanu Reeves, dazzled viewers with its remarkable special effects.

Anna and the King is the latest version of The King and I, told with great sets and costumes. The film stars Oscar winner Jodie Foster and Chow Yun Fat.