The Legend of Clint Eastwood

Mystic River, 2003
He directed but did not appear in the movie of Dennis Lehane's novel about Boston family values. Sean Penn, ostensibly the least likely actor to get along with Eastwood, famously did, as did the rest of the ensemble. "Clint is the approving rascal, older-brother father," Penn told TIME's Desa Philadelphia. "You are not inclined toward useless rebellion with him, unless you just want to see him laugh at you." On Oscar Night there were smiles all around: Best Actor for Penn and Supporting Actor for Tim Robbins, plus nominations for Picture, Director (Eastwood), Screenplay (Brian Helgeland) and Supporting Actress (Marcia Gay Harden).

• The Essence of Clint Eastwood