Billy Elliot (2000) - Stephen Daldry 

It's interesting how a well executed film no matter how cliche can win over audiences and even impress critics. Stephen Daldry made his film directing debut here, and I'd say as a point of comparison its quite a bit better than The Hours. That film was far too self important, whereas this film never really seems to take itself that seriously. Jamie Bell actually won a best actor award from the British Academy, which handed a veritable boat load of awards on the film. Julie Walters along with Daldry got Oscar nominations for their work here as well. I could care less about ballet but the film is endearing in its own right. Most of the acting is great particularly Bell and Gary Lewis as his father. 

*Billy Elliot was nominated for best director, best supporting actress (Walters), and best original screenplay.