It’s hard not to find a person who doesn’t know who Tom Hanks is and doesn’t have a favorite performance. He has been nominated for Best Actor at the Academy Awards on multiple occasions. But if you are like most people, you aren’t quite sure what Hanks’s top nominated candidates are. Let’s look at some of the Hanks movies that have received critical acclaim.
“Big” (1988) – The Role Where Tom Hanks First Shined
Hanks’ first Academy Award nomination came for his role in the 1988 film Big. In it, Hanks plays Josh Baskin, a 13-year-old boy who approaches a fortune-telling machine, “Zoltar,” which magically (per his wish) transforms him into an adult overnight. Hanks’ ability to capture the innocence and wonder of a child in an adult’s body is nothing short of remarkable. His performance strikes a perfect balance between humour and heart, making Big a defining moment in his career. This role showcased Hanks’ unique talent for blending comedy with genuine emotional depth, setting the stage for his future success. The result was one of the most beloved films of the 1980s along with timeless classics like the John Hughes teen films or A Christmas Story.
“Philadelphia” (1993) – A Groundbreaking Role
In 1993, Hanks took on a role that would win him his first Academy Award and mark a significant moment in cinematic history. In Philadelphia, Hanks portrays Andrew Beckett, a lawyer who is fired from his firm due to his HIV-positive status. The film tackled the subject of AIDS with sensitivity and grace, and Hanks, plus fellow Academy Award winner Denzel Washington, delivered powerful and heartbreaking performances that earned Hanks the Oscar for Best Actor. His portrayal of Beckett was a watershed moment in his career.
“Forrest Gump” (1994) – The Defining Tom Hanks Performance
Arguably one of the most iconic roles in cinema history, Forrest Gump solidified Tom Hanks’s status as a Hollywood legend. In this 1994 film, Hanks plays the titular character, a man of limited intelligence but with an extraordinary heart. Hanks’ performance is a masterclass in empathy, as he brings warmth, humor, and humanity to Forrest Gump. The role earned Hanks back-to-back Academy Awards for Best Actor, making him only the second actor in history to achieve this feat behind the legendary Spencer Tracy. Forrest Gump remains a cultural touchstone, and Hanks’ performance is the reason it appeals to each new generation.
“Saving Private Ryan” (1998) – A Portrait of a Reluctant Hero
In Steven Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan, Hanks takes on the role of Captain John Miller, a World War II officer tasked with finding and bringing home the last surviving brother of four soldiers. The film is renowned for its gritty and true-to-life portrayal of the horrors of war, and Hanks’ performance as the weary yet determined Captain Miller is both compelling and profoundly moving. His nuanced portrayal of a man struggling with the moral ambiguities of war earned him another Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Saving Private Ryan stands as one of the greatest war films ever made, with Hanks’ performance being a significant reason for its success.
Hear T.J. And Jay discuss “Forrest Gump” and it’s impact, as part of their retro “Summer of ’94” podcast on the “We’ve Seen That!” feed by clicking play below,
“Cast Away” (2000) – A Solitary Tour de Force
Cast Away is a film that rests almost entirely on Tom Hanks’ shoulders, and he carries it with extraordinary skill, taking something that could have been tedious and transforming it into a masterpiece. In this 2000 film, Hanks plays Chuck Noland, a FedEx executive stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash. The role is a physical and emotional tour de force, as Hanks must convey his character’s isolation, desperation, and eventual resilience with little dialogue and no other human actors to interact with for much of the film. Most of the film is Hanks talking to the volleyball “Wilson,” who could have been the best-supporting actor thanks to Hanks. His performance earned him yet another Academy Award nomination, which elevated him to iconic status.
“A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” (2019) – Embodying a Legend
In 2019, Hanks took on the role of another beloved figure: Fred Rogers, the iconic children’s television host, in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. Hanks’ portrayal of Mr. Rogers is gentle, warm, and profoundly empathetic, capturing the essence of a man who became synonymous with kindness and understanding. This role earned Hanks a nomination for Best Supporting Actor, further showcasing his ability to bring real-life figures to the screen with authenticity and respect. His performance resonated deeply with audiences, reminding us of the power of kindness in a world that often feels disconnected.
A Final Thought on Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks’ Academy-nominated performances reflect his incomparable talent and his ability to connect with audiences on a deeper emotional level. Whether playing a child in an adult’s body, a lawyer fighting for justice, a man of simple wisdom, a war hero, a castaway, or a beloved television host, Hanks brings sincerity and humanity to each role. His work continues to inspire and entertain, making him one of the most respected and beloved actors of our time.
