I thought THE DEPARTED was his best work since CASINO, maybe even GOODFELLAS. I think some of the Oscar was given to Marty based on his past accomplishments but also because last year's competition was weak. As a result, he easily won hands down but it was definitely his best since CASINO (i.e. better than KUNDUN, BRINGING OUT THE DEAD, GANGS OF NEW YORK, and THE AVIATOR).