A good editor is like a pianist, someone with a sixth sense, working at speed on big shorts and operating out of sight. Editing is all about assembling the matrix of options between takes to compose the conversation with the skill of Amadeus. This takes up all the hours, turning into the longest day, especially when the timeline decides to crash and send us down a fury road like a raging bull. But, upon deliverance, we’re transported to Chinatown or Casablanca—even the City of God. It just takes the right stuff, plus a few good men (and women—we see you, Anne V. Coates). For this Showdown, round up your top ten films nominated for the ultimate place in the sun: the Academy Award for Best Editing. Just don’t forget to save your work (and Private Ryan).