| In 2001, George Clooney brought old-fashioned male movie stardom back to the fore. From his Golden Globe-winning performance in O Brother, Where Art Thou?, for which he drew comparisons to Golden Age icons Clark Gable and Cary Grant, to his assumption of Frank Sinatra's role as ring-a-ding ringleader in the Ocean's Eleven remake, Clooney exuded confident manliness, elegant charm, and rakish cool. Despite the conventional wisdom that Clooney's more a movie star than an actor, it's an impressive feat to provoke comparisons to such icons, yet not be accused of imitation. However, amid these accomplishments, George Clooney is the DOL Movie Man of the Year because of his instrumental role in mounting the Tribute to Heroes telethon. The unprecedented event appeared simultaneously on over 30 major cable and broadcast networks, brought together the widest range of talent ever seen on one program, and raised over $200 million dollars for the relief of those who were directly affected by the attacks of September 11. Generally praised for its style, understatement, and healing effects, the program helped in ways both monetary and emotional and underscored the great national sense of unity. George Clooney is heartening proof that the power of celebrity isn't always a corrupting force, but can produce exhilarating entertainment and moving tribute. "I think George Clooney, because from what I saw he was a stand up guy for using his Power as a Movie star to garner the support of other people in power to donate their time and energy to assist our fellow Americans in a severe time of crisis. I was moved by his humility and not wanting the attention to be directed on the stars but for the victims." – SweetKitty, voting for George Clooney as Overall Man of the Year |
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| Russell Crowe | John Cameron Mitchell | Benicio Del Toro | Joaquin Phoenix |