Miramax Films
Marisa Tomei as Natalie Strout in <em>In the Bedroom</em>, 2001
Nearly a decade after winning an Oscar for her role in 1992 comedy My Cousin Vinny, Marisa Tomei's career had lost some luster, and saw her starring in less acclaimed fare, such as the 1998 TV-movie, Only Love, and the 2000 crime-thriller, The Watcher, which was derided by critics worldwide. Then came 2001's indie thriller, In the Bedroom. Tomei starred as a single mother in a New England fishing town, where her relationship with a younger man catalyzes a murderous turn of events. The film catalyzed a major career comeback for the star, nabbing her an Oscar nomination, and opening audition doors for high-brow films across Hollywood.