This was the year Martin Scorsese was finally going to win the Oscar nod and recognition that has eluded him and his works for years.

Everything seemed to be working for The Aviator, a big budget drama that portrays the life of a larger than life man, his madness, ambitions and love affair with Hollywood.

But along came two smaller films -- the very likeable Sideways and the deeply felt and tragic Million Dollar Baby.

Eastwood's tightly made meditation on living a good life, second chances and accepting the cards dealt to us, has touched everyone who has seen it.

And so the winner will be Million Dollar Baby.