Did They Get it Right? – Best Actor – Oscars 1996

Here are the five nominees: (Winner in Bold)

Tom Cruise (Jerry Maguire)

Ralph Fiennes (The English Patient)

Woody Harrelson (The People Vs. Larry Flynt)

Geoffrey Rush (Shine) 

Billy Bob Thornton (Sling Blade)

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!