Claim: Paul Thomas Anderson worked with Philip Seymour Hoffman and gained recognition.

Magnolia is a 1999 American ensemble drama film written , co-produced and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson . The film stars Jeremy Blackman , Tom Cruise , Melinda Dillon , Philip Baker Hall , Philip Seymour Hoffman , Ricky Jay , William H. Macy , Alfred Molina , Julianne Moore , John C. Reilly , Jason Robards and Melora Walters , and is a mosaic of interrelated characters in search of happiness , forgiveness and meaning in the San Fernando Valley .   Magnolia received positive reviews , with critics praising its acting , direction , storytelling , ambition , and its soundtrack , largely consisting of Aimee Mann songs ; however , some deemed it overlong and melodramatic . Of the ensemble cast , Tom Cruise was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the 72nd Academy Awards , and won the award in that category at the Golden Globes of 2000 . The film also won the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival . It was Robards ' final feature film . Following the film 's release , Anderson said : `` I really feel ... That Magnolia is , for better or worse , the best movie I 'll ever make . ''