Billy Wilder directed what may be the best movie about movies ever made. A down-on-his-luck screenwriter (William Holden) becomes involved with Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson), a former silent film star clinging to past glory. Nominated for 11 Oscars , and winner for screenplay, cinematography and score. Cecil B. DeMille plays himself as the director with whom Desmond hopes to stage a comeback. (“All right, Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my closeup.”) Directed by Billy Wilder; Starring William Holden, Gloria Swanson, Erich von Stroheim, Nancy Olson, Fred Clark, Lloyd Gough, Jack Webb, Franklin Farnum.