Cameron Crowe’s Almost Famous captures a pivotal time in the history of rock and roll. Set in 1973, it chronicles the funny and often poignant coming of age of 15-year-old William (Patrick Fugit), an unabashed music fan who is inspired by the seminal bands of the time.

When his love of music lands him an assignment from Rolling Stone magazine to interview the up-and-coming band Stillwater—fronted by lead guitar Russell Hammond (Billy Crudup) and lead singer Jeff Bebe (Jason Lee)—William embarks on an eye-opening journey with the band’s tour, despite the objections of his protective mother (Frances McDormand). With the help of the lovely “band aid” Penny Lane (Kate Hudson), William finds himself drawn into the band’s inner circle. But as he becomes less an observer and more a participant in the band’s dynamics, the fledgling reporter loses the objectivity to tell his story honestly, and learns a life-changing lesson about the importance of family—the ones we inherit, and the ones we create.

The film earned an Academy Award for Crowe for Best Screenplay, along with nominations for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for both Kate Hudson and Frances McDormand, and Best Editing for Joe Hutshing and Saar Klein.