Steve Martin co-wrote and starred as Inspector Jacques Clouseau in the remake of the 1964 comedy, “The Pink Panther.” Martin’s physical comedy and continual mishaps illuminated on screen as Clouseau navigated himself on the job without realizing his mistakes as they occurred.
And the Oscar for most effective career suicide goes to (dramatic pause; presenter fumbles with envelope): "Bowling for Columbine" filmmaker Michael Moore.