Content overview: “20 Years Later: How Matt Damon and Martin Scorsese's 'The Departed' Won Scorsese His First”. Two decades ago, Matt Damon headlined a gritty Boston-set crime thriller that finally earned legendary director Martin Scorsese his long-overdue Academy Award for Best Director. Released in 2006, 'The Departed' wove a tense tale of moles within the Massachusetts State Police and the Irish mob, featuring a powerhouse ensemble including Leonardo DiCaprio, Jack Nicholson, Mark Wahlberg, and Vera Farmiga alongside Damon. The film's razor-sharp script and visceral performances captivated audiences and critics, grossing over $290 million worldwide.
At the 79th Academy Awards, 'The Departed' took home four Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director—a milestone that ended Scorsese's infamous streak of five prior nominations without a win. Damon's portrayal of the duplicitous Colin Sullivan remains one of his most memorable roles, showcasing his range as both a leading man and a cunning antagonist. The full version stays on the original page, which this listing opens directly.