Fame (1980)

Seven classes a day and a hot lunch. That’s what New York City’s High School for the Performing Arts guarantees. Stardom? That’s something the school’s teenage musicians, actors, dancers and dreamers strive for.

Fame sings the body electric, celebrating the growing-up process of honing talent, confronting realities, finding love, living life. Director Alan Parker brings an energetic style to the crisscrossing stories of students (including future Academy Award winner** Irene Cara, Paul McCrane (ER), Barry Miller (Saturday Night Fever) and two who returned in the later TV series, Gene Anthony Ray and Lee Curreri). Nominated for six Academy Awards,* Fame won Oscars for its dynamic score and title tune – and inspired a shoot-for-the-stars 2009 remake.