James Ellroy

L.A. Confidential
Several of Ellroy's books have been adapted by Hollywood, but L.A. Confidential, is by far the most successful. The movie follows three Los Angeles Police Department officers played by Russell Crowe, second from left, Guy Pearce, third from left and Kevin Spacey (unpictured) who become entangled in a web of corruption, murder and a plethora of other unsavory endeavors. Nominated for nine Academy Awards, the movie would win two, one for Best Supporting Actress by Kim Basinger and one for Best Adapted Screenplay.