2005 Tranniversary: Zander, Mac Scotty, Evin
In politics, George W. Bush is sworn in for a second term as President of the United States of America following his 2004 election victory. Hurricane Katrina struck the coastal areas from Louisiana to Alabama, and up the entire state of Mississippi. At least 1,836 people were killed and the hurricane damage along the US Gulf coast was severe. Despite many violent outbursts, assassinations and car bombings, Iraq held parliamentary elections for the first time since 1958. Shiites took majority control of parliament.
In LGBTQ news, all countries in The United Kingdom approved the right to legally change one’s gender without surgery being required. The neo-Western romantic drama, “Brokeback Mountain”, Directed by Ang Lee, was released in 2005. It explored the complex romantic relationship between two American cowboys. Jake Gyllenhaal’s character, Jack Twist, famously tells Ennis (played by Heath Leather”), “I wish I knew how to quit you.” 2005 also saw the film adaptation of the Broadway musical “Rent” which was, in turn, based on Giacomo Puccini's 1896 opera, La bohème. The film featured six of the original Broadway cast members. It depicted the lives of several bohemians and their struggles with sexuality, drugs, paying rent, and life under the shadow of the AIDS pandemic. The gritty East Village of New York City from 1989 to 1990 was a main feature of the show.
In sports, the New England Patriots defeated the Philadelphia Eagles by the score of 24–21 to win the Superbowl.The San Antonio Spurs defeated the defending-champion Detroit Pistons, 4–3, in the NBA Finals.The Chicago White Sox swept the Houston Astros in four games, winning their third World Series championship and their first in 88 years.It was a sad year in soccer because one of the most reputed footballers of all time, Manchester United legend George Best, lost his life at the age of 59. Tiger Woods took home his 4th win in the Golf Masters. He was also the top paid athlete in 2005, making more than twice as much as Shaquille O’Neal.
In movies, the top grossing films in 2005 were:
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Jamie Foxx won best actor for his portrayal of Ray Charles, in the move, “Ray”. Cate Blanchett took home best supporting actress for her role in Aviator. But Million Dollar Baby swept the rest of the Oscars; it won best picture, best director (Clint Eastwood), best actress (Hilary Swank) and best supporting actor (Morgan Freeman). Top grossing actors were Keanu Reeves, Will Ferrell, Orlando Bloom, Drew Barrymore, Julia Roberts and Nicole Kidman. Matthew McConaughey was named People magazine's "sexiest man alive" in 2005.
Billboard top hits were Kelly Clarkson, “Since U Been Gone”, Mario’s, “Let me Love You”, and Mariah Carey had the number one hit,” We Belong Together”. The number two hit from 2005 wasGwen Stefani’s, “Hollaback Girl”.