Here are the five nominees: (Winner in Bold)
Biggest Snub:
Kenneth Branagh – Hamlet
My Overall Thoughts:
This was a pretty mediocre year for nominees. Thronton and Rush were both standouts among the 5 and the race was really between them.
My Rankings:
Acting Performances
5. Tom Cruise
4. Woody Harrelson
3. Ralph Fiennes
2. Billy Bob Thornton
1. Geoffrey Rush
Movies
5. The People Vs. Larry Flynt – Controversial film about a very controversial man played really well by Harrelson.
4. Shine – Great story that is accentuated by Rush’s performance in the lead role. The way that the story unfolds works really well and we get a clear sense as to what kind of life he dealt with. In addition to Rush, Mueller-Stahl is amazing as his ‘tough-love’ father who’s actions cannot be condoned yet based on all he endured in life is somewhat understandable. Nominated for a total of 7 Oscars, but only managed to win for Rush’s lead performance.
3. Sling Blade – Great story that is perfectly acted by Thornton in the lead role.
2. Jerry Maguire – Great heart warming movie. Cruise and Zellweger are both excellent here. One of the most quoted movies of recent years. Great message.
1. The English Patient – Great love story set on the eve of WWII.
Do I agree with the Oscar winner? – Most Definitely! Rush was amazing in this role and really shines 🙂 The rest of the nominees besides Thorton were all just ok but Rush gave the bets performance without a doubt
Let me know what you think about these films and my rankings!
Haven’t seen Shine or The English Patient, yet. Billy Bob Thornton in Sling Blade stands head and shoulders above the other two, so he’s my winner. Two others I’d consider for nominations: Matthew McConaughey in A Time to Kill and Christopher Guest in Waiting for Guffman.
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