This Day in Film: 'The Best Man'

Eleven years ago today, The Best Man opened in theaters nationwide.  The film starred Nia Long , Taye Diggs , Morris Chestnut , Terrence Howard and Sanaa Lathan , and was directed by Spike Lee 's cousin, Malcom Lee with Spike as a producer. The Best Man was the last of the classic Black films of the '90s , solidifying Nia Long and Morris Chestnut (who starred in 1991's Boyz N The Hood ) as forces in Hollywood.

The film follows the story of Harper, whose autobiographical book is about to be released. He is the best man to Lance, but the book reveals that he slept with Lance's bride-to-be. Drama ensues with commentary on relationships and friendships.

With only a $9 million budget, The Best Man grossed over $34 million. At the 2000 NAACP Image Awards, Nia Long and Terrence Howard won awards. The film nabbed Outstanding Motion Picture. Of course this was the time when every film needed a killer soundtrack, and The Best Man soundtrack had songs from Beyonce , Faith Evans and Maxwell .

Check out the video for "Turn Your Lights Down Low" by Lauryn Hill and Bob Marley , which was the first single from the soundtrack.