Every Alexander Payne Movie, Ranked!
From 'About Schmidt' to 'Sideways,' Moviefone counts down every film of director Alexander Payne's award-winning career.
Director Alexander Payne and actor Dan Aid on the set of their film 'The Holdovers,' a Focus Features release. Credit: Seacia Pavao / © 2023 FOCUS FEATURES LLC.
Writer and director Alexander Payne is one of the most accomplished and acclaimed filmmakers of his generation.
With only eight feature films to his name, including his latest - 'Nebraska' were all nominated for Academy Awards with Payne winning Best Adapted Screenplay for both 'Sideways' and 'The Descendants.'
In honor of 'The Holdovers,' which reunites Payne with 'Sideways' star Moviefone is counting down every movie Alexander Payne has directed, including his latest.
Let's begin!
8. 'Downsizing' (2017)
A kindly occupational therapist (Kristen Wiig) can help save the planet and afford a nice lifestyle at the same time.
7. 'Citizen Ruth' (1996)
"Citizen Ruth" is the story of Ruth Stoops (Laura Dern), a woman who nobody even noticed -- until she got pregnant. Now, everyone wants a piece of her. The film is a comedy about one woman caught in the ultimate tug-of-war: a clash of wild, noisy, ridiculous people that rapidly dissolves into a media circus.
Citizen Ruth
6. 'About Schmidt' (2002)
A recently retired man (Jack Nicholson) embarks on a journey to his estranged daughter's wedding, only to discover more about himself and life than he ever expected.
5. 'Nebraska' (2013)
An aging, booze-addled father (Will Forte) in order to claim what he believes to be a million-dollar sweepstakes prize.
Nebraska
4. 'The Descendants' (2011)
With his wife Elizabeth on life after a boating accident, Hawaiian land baron Matt King (Matthew Lillard), who was having an affair with Elizabeth before her misfortune.
The Descendants
3. 'Election' (1999)
Reese Witherspoon as Tracy Enid Flick in director Alexander Payne's 'Election.'
Jim McAllister (Chris Klein), a dim-witted but popular student athlete, to run against Tracy. When she becomes aware of Jim's secret involvement in the race, a bitter feud is sparked.
2. 'The Holdovers' (2023)
(L to R) Dominic Sessa stars as Angus Tully and Paul Giamatti as Paul Hunham in director Alexander Payne’s 'The Holdovers,' a Focus Features release. Credit: Courtesy of FOCUS FEATURES / © 2023 FOCUS FEATURES LLC.
From acclaimed director Alexander Payne, 'The Holdovers' follows a curmudgeonly instructor (Da’Vine Joy Randolph).
1. 'Sideways' (2004)
(L to R) Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church in director Alexander Payne's 'Sideways.' Photo: Fox Searchlight.
Two middle-aged men (Paul Giamatti and Thomas Haden Church) embark on a spiritual journey through Californian wine country. One is an unpublished novelist suffering from depression, and the other is only days away from walking down the aisle.
Sideways
