The ensemble is a tricky thing to pull off in film. Stars want to shine, especially in an ego-filled place like Hollywood. Finding a group that can compliment each other and create something greater than the sum of its parts is something special, and that's what this category rewards.

Our award for best cast of year goes to Good Night, and Good Luck, which is starting to run the table. Headed by David Strathairn as legendary broadcaster Edward R. Murrow, it also features a strong, self-directed performance from George Clooney (it's almost cheating) along with memorable supporting turns from Robert Downey Jr., Frank Langella, Jeff Daniels, Patricia Clarkson and Ray Wise, who all work together to present the time when television journalism was first hammering out its importance.

In a close second spot is Serenity, the big-screen version of Joss Whedon's space western. This is a cast that had 13 episodes on TV to learn how to work together, making it almost not fair. However - and we might be a little bit biased here - no TV cast has ever blended together so quickly to become a family. This transferred perfectly onto the big screen, giving us one final (we hope not final) ride with the Firefly crew.

The continually surprising Hustle & Flow finished a close third in this category, anchored by a virtuoso performance from Terrence Howard as Djay, the street hustler pimp turned musician. However, some outstanding supporting roles from such unlikely sources such as D.J. Qualls, Taryn Manning, Taraji P. Henson, and even Anthony Anderson caught our attention. One of the biggest surprises of the year, this film had superlative performances from top to bottom.

Our fourth place finisher, Syriana, features one of the richest and deepest casts of the year, although it arguably is leadless. George Clooney pops up again as the closest thing it has to a central role, though fine turns are also on display from Jeffrey Wright, Matt Damon, Christopher Plummer, Chris Cooper, Amanda Peet and even Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's Dr. Bashir (Alexander Siddig) in a crucial role. Though a large number of the cast never have scenes together, each role in this thriller is played to its utmost potential.

Fifth spot goes to what might have been an early favorite in this category, Crash. Another true ensemble, this film details several tense days in Los Angeles and the role that race plays among its many characters. While Matt Dillon - of all people - scored an Oscar nomination for his racist but complicated cop character, several more nominations wouldn't have been out of place, including Don Cheadle, Terrence Howard and Thandie Newton. Sandra Bullock also pushed boundaries as a spoiled, rich housewife forced to confront the shallowness of her own life.

Brokeback Mountain doesn't feature a huge cast, but its major roles are all standouts. Three of the four received Oscar nominations, and while we all knew that Jake Gyllenhaal was crazy talented, Heath Ledger's and Michelle Williams's performances were revelations. It's rewarded with sixth place in this category.

Seventh spot goes to Cinderella Man, which had the always excellent Russell Crowe (whose brush with the law earlier this year may have cost him an Oscar nomination) along with perennial favorites Paul Giamatti and Renee Zellweger. Sin City comes in for eighth position, with literally dozens of important roles through its four "gore noir" story segements. Mickey Rourke of all people proved that he still has some performances left in him, and Bruce Willis, Clive Owen and Benicio del Toro put in strong turns. Even the minor roles were filled impressively, with a wordless (but violent) performance from Devon Aoki being a perfect and unforgettable example.

We swerve dramatically in tone for the ninth place finisher, Mrs. Henderson Presents. Led by Dame Judi Dench, this comedy about a burlesque house in 1930s London also includes wink-wink nudge-nudge acting from Bob Hoskins and the always hilarious Christopher Guest and an inspired turn from the relatively unknown Kelly Reilly.

Finally, we end off with the cast of Batman Begins, continuing its run in these awards of general excellence. Aside from Christian Bale in the title role, we also have Michael Caine in a non-phoned in performance, Morgan Freeman as his usually dignified self, Gary Oldman having an unusual amount of fun, and Liam Neeson playing a twist on his usual sensei role. Five Oscar nominees in all were in this film, an incredible number for such a summer blockbuster. (Reagen Sulewski/BOP)

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