Thirty-five years ago today, the movie Parenthood was released. It cemented Ron Howard as a serious director, and has one of the best ensembles ever assembled on film: Steve Martin, Dianne Wiest, Mary Steenburgen, Jason Robards, Rick Moranis, Tom Hulce, Martha Plimpton, and Leaf (later better known as Joaquin) Phoenix don’t even complete the cast list. It’s a fantastic family dramedy that excels as both comedy and drama, which so few do.

Wiest was nominated for Best Supporting Actress, and would have made a great winner, and the theme song “I Love to See You Smile” was nominated for Best Song. Check this movie out!

This article is part of a special year-long series of anecdotes, reflections and thoughts about the Academy Awards.