BABEL

BABEL is a powerful reminder of the poetry of film. Alejandro Iñárritu's non-linear storytelling style is both epic and intimate, and imagines our global interconnectivity as catalyzed by a single bullet. Raw performances from an extraordinary cast drive this haunting and, at times, harrowing tale about our inability to communicate despite advances in technology. The film is also an unblinking look at the price this has on our children, and ultimately asks the question, "Will we hear each other, before it's too late?"

BORAT: CULTURAL LEARNINGS OF AMERICA FOR MAKE BENEFIT GLORIOUS NATION OF KAZAKHSTAN

BORAT clocks more laughs than any film in 2006, and it does so with a social commentary that asks us to pause between guffaws and examine the world around us. Sacha Baron Cohen's immersive performance as Borat detonates an international conversation about what is funny and what is too far. The joy of the film is that no ivory tower is too tall for Borat. He targets Christians and Jews, feminists and frat boys, and all the while offering a global catharsis; for if we can laugh together, we can live together. To Borat, AFI say "High five!"

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA is the haute couture of Hollywood filmmaking. Lovingly fashioned with style, romance and a fully realized script by Aline Brosh McKenna, it's a film about choices and the time in one's life when the world sparkles with opportunity. David Frankel's film is both elegant and entertaining, and a wonderful reminder to moviemakers that a film with female protagonists can appeal to men and women alike. Meryl Streep's tour de force performance adds Miranda Priestly to the many iconic characters that America's greatest actress has created for the pantheon of film.

DREAMGIRLS

DREAMGIRLS is a musical masterwork that dazzles and delights in every frame. The film shines a spotlight on the talents of Bill Condon, who expands and enriches a legendary stage production while invoking the spirit of Broadway's Michael Bennett. The result is an explosion of passion and power, an anthem to the outsider and a celebration of friendship that hits every note. Jennifer Hudson's triumphant debut is one for the ages, and the film's brilliant creative ensemble - a dream team of talent - deserves a standing ovation as the credits roll.

HALF NELSON

HALF NELSON is a small cinematic miracle - a film of such honesty that it challenges the boundaries of narrative film and cinéma vérité. Ryan Fleck-s directorial debut is an absorbing tale of demons and dreams, and the film compels us to consider role models in the real world, and who we look up to in the unlikeliest of friendships. Ryan Gosling's inspired performance proves once and again that he is a force among the actors of his generation, and Shareeka Epps' brilliant debut stands tall among the best of the year.

HAPPY FEET

HAPPY FEET is a one-of-a-kind motion picture experience. George Miller continues to paint outside the lines of traditional filmmaking, and his genius expands upon the animated art form to illuminate a world where penguins embrace dance and differences to survive and thrive. But that is just the tip of the iceberg, as the environment, religion and the chasm between generations enrich this sweet and subtle tale - one that is fun and funny, brilliant and beautiful, groundbreaking and global in its message.

INSIDE MAN

INSIDE MAN is a classic heist film that vaults above genre under the direction of one of American film's truest voices, Spike Lee. This smart and shrewd crime thriller is layered with a complicated social portrait of the United States, where everybody is out for himself. This enriches the complexity of motives, and an all-star cast makes the most of this intricate game of cat and mouse, each with an eye on stealing the show.

LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA

LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA is a masterpiece of American film. Clint Eastwood continues to set the standard - telling stories of uncommon sensitivity on a canvas so grand and glorious that his place in America's cultural legacy seems to have no bounds. LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA is a complex examination of duty to one's country - the enemy's country. By presenting the Japanese perspective, the film projects point of view through a prism, reminding us of our common humanity and inspiring us to rise above the past and look forward to a brighter, better future.

LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE

LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE is a ray of hope for American film. This comedy gem exemplifies the best of the independent film movement, one that tells its story outside the mainstream but enjoys a massive and enthusiastic public response. Directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris have assembled the comedic acting ensemble of the year, and together they tell the story of the Hoovers, the most dysfunctional family on wheels. In the tradition of classics like YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU, through our laughter - and horror - we see ourselves.

UNITED 93

UNITED 93 is a landmark American film - one that takes on a defining moment in modern time and creates a living memorial with equal parts art and realism. Paul Greengrass exemplifies the power of a story well told as the film confounds expectation at every turn. It is a nightmare that heals. It is an ending we know, yet our hearts race with hope. Ultimately, UNITED 93 is a meditation on honor and courage - and what you see in yourself when you look into the eyes of the person sitting next to you on a flight to tomorrow.