Gwyneth Paltrow won the 1998 Best Picture oscar in 1998 for the romantic comedy, Shakespeare in Love. It was her first and 9so far) only nomination. Her major competitor that year was Cate Blanchett for playing the titular role in Elizabeth.

Oscar Nominations: 1

Interior decoration (Color): James Basevi and Joseph C. Wright, art direction, Thomas Little, set decoration.

Helen Hunt was the surprise winner of the 1997 Best Actress winner from “As Good As It Gets.” It was Hunt’s first and only nomination, and even she was shocked, considering the tough (British talent) she was up against.

Frances McDormand, who is married to Joel Coen, received the Best Actress Oscar in 1996 for the Coen brother’s Fargo, a drakly humorous noir that also won Original Screenplay.

McDormand was up to a togh competition from three fantastic British actresses, Brenda Blethyn in Secret and Lies, Emily Watson in Breaking the waves, and kristin Scott Thomas in The English Patient, which won Best Picture.

Oscar Nominations: 6
Picture, Produced by Patrick Palmer and Norman Jewison
Director: Norman Jewison
Screenplay (Original): John Patrick Shanley
Actress: Cher
Supporting Actress: Olympia Dukakis
Supporting Actor: Vincent Gardenia