Name: Magnolia
Genre: Drama
Duration: 188 min
Cast: Tom Cruise, Julianne Moore, Philip Seymour Hoffman

Globe · 1Berlin · 1

Spoiler-free premise

An epic mosaic of many interrelated characters in search of happiness, forgiveness, and meaning in the San Fernando Valley.

Read expanded premiseLonger, still spoiler-free

Across one day in the San Fernando Valley, dying producer Earl Partridge, nurse Phil Parma, motivational speaker Frank Mackey, quiz host Jimmy Gator, daughter Claudia, officer Jim Kurring, and former contestant Donnie Smith move through connected crises.

Why it belongs

Paul Thomas Anderson makes coincidence emotionally persuasive through roaming ensemble camera, Aimee Mann songs, repeated confession, and performers pushing need to operatic scale.

Read expanded why it belongsThe fuller editorial case

Television studios, bedside rooms, streets, pharmacies, synchronized song, weather reports, and Jon Brion's propulsive score link separate lives without erasing them. The ensemble treats forgiveness as urgent but never guaranteed.

Major award record

Metadata only · zero points in 40/40/20

Golden Globes1 win2000 · official film record ↗

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture2000 · Tom Cruiseofficial film record ↗

Berlin1 win2000 · official festival record ↗

Golden Bear2000 · Paul Thomas Andersonofficial festival record ↗

Totals include every recorded competitive win. Only Picture or top-film honors, Direction, Screenplay, and lead or supporting performances are named.

Good for

Film Club

Descriptive guidance derived from rating, genre, runtime, mood, and GCML scores.

Magnolia

Double Feature