Every Best Actress Oscar Movie Winner Of The 21st Century Ranked

Who should have won: Salma Hayek - Frida.

Stephen Daldry's sombre tale of art, passion and acceptance benefits from three staggering performances from Nicole Kidman, Julianne Moore, and Meryl Streep, all of whom work miracles to weave The Hours' time-hopping drama together.

Of the three, it's Moore who steals the show, although Kidman won the Oscar for her portrayal of troubled writer Virginia Woolf, whose depression and inner turmoil Kidman captures with sadness, wisdom, and inevitable heartbreak. It's never showy or overblown, but perfectly pitched to the drama's subtly haunting tone.

Looking back on her career, there can be no doubt Kidman deserved her first (and so far only) Oscar for countless other roles - think Eyes Wide Shut, Dogville, and Moulin Rouge! - but her empathetic work here is still one of many great career highlights.