What Does Tom Hanks Have to Do to Receive Another Oscar Nomination?
Friday, September 9, 2016 at 11:15AM by abstew
The world was a very different place in January 2001. George W. Bush was being sworn into office for the first of his two terms as President, people used disposable cameras and brought the film to be developed at...drug stores, and the main places to watch new films was in the actual movie theater (where the average ticket price was $5.39) and then later going to the nearest Blockbuster to rent it. It also happened to be the last time that Tom Hanks was nominated for an acting Oscar.
With a total of 5 Best Actor nominations for Big (1988), Philadelphia (1993), Forrest Gump (1994), Saving Private Ryan (1998), and Cast Away (2000) and back-to-back wins (only the second Best Actor to accomplish the feat after Spencer Tracy almost 60 years before and only one of five actors (the others are Luise Rainer, Katharine Hepburn, and Jason Robards) to have achieved the distinction in the Academy's 88 year history) it's not like Hanks is hurting for accolades. And if that weren't enough, he's even taken gold for television, winning 7 Emmys so far as a producer and director on multiple miniseries.
The Academy often has brief but passionate affairs when it comes to actors...
If you're lucky you get nominations for a decade, two tops. There's only one Meryl Streep and one Jack Nicholson with double digit nominations spanning multiple decades. And that would all be well and good if Hanks had decided to rest on his laurels for the past 16 years and coast by with the public's goodwill in roles that he could easily do in his sleep. But the thing is, Hanks is still giving us complex performances, working with great directors, and challenging our notion of what to expect from a Tom Hanks performance.
So what exactly does Hanks have to do to get some overdue recognition?
Will the Academy welcome back Hanks with "Sully"?
Road to Perdition, Catch Me If You Can, Charlie Wilson's War, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, Captain Phillips, and Bridge of Spies. What do all of those films have in common? Other than the fact that they all contain fine performances by Hanks that were overlooked by the Academy, all 6 films received a nomination in Best Supporting Actor for one of his co-stars. In short, he's appearing in films that are being recognized by the Academy. In fact, since Cast Away, all the films that Hanks has appeared in have garnered a total of 32 nominations. But not one of them has been for Hanks himself.
Now, granted, all of those performances weren't all 'five-best' worthy of a nomination and there's plenty that goes into an Oscar nomination other than the actual performance anyway. There's the likability of the actor (a given with Hanks), and the degree of difficulty that went into the role. It is perhaps fitting that his last nomination came for a role that he lost 50 pounds for. Hanks has always had a natural, everyman quality to his work. Perhaps his effortless has been a hindrance in the past 16 years. Does he make it look too easy? As Leonardo DiCaprio showed us this past season, there's nothing more prestigious than suffering for your art.
There's also simply if there's a buzz about it being an actor's "time", whether that means awarding a first-timer with their debut nom or, in Hanks' case, welcoming a seasoned pro back into the fold.
"This is Hanks. I'm ready for another nom. Over..."
What's most frustrating is that Hanks was closest to his 6th Best Actor nomination for 2013's Captain Phillips. Another nomination was all but guaranteed. He had received precursor nominations from the Golden Globes, SAG, and BAFTA, he was appearing in a prestige pic that ended up receiving a Best Picture nomination, and, most importantly, he gave a gripping performance that was praised by critics. Wobbly accent and exposition-filled opening monologue aside, Hanks commands the screen as the captain whose unarmed container ship is hijacked by Somali pirates. If anything, the nomination should have been secured with one of the most impressive acting scenes we've seen on film in years. After Phillips is rescued and brought aboard for treatment, he starts to breakdown, while still having enough composure to answer the questions asked of him. Hanks layers the scene with a mix of emotions. But what makes it astonishing is the absolute restraint. He could have very easily gone all out and given a tear-filled showcase, but in trying to hold back his feelings, the response became much more real. But on nomination morning, Hanks was not one of the names included for Best Actor.
It's too soon in the awards season to say if his turn as real-life pilot, "Sully" Sullenberger, who successfully crash-landed an airplane on the Hudson River in Clint Eastwood's film, is enough to bring him another nomination. The film itself is receiving mixed to good reviews, but what most have singled out is the work of Hanks himself and how the film wouldn't work without him in the role. The film is poised to top the box office this weekend, which could certainly help its award's prospect down the road. But for now we'll have to sit and wait, wondering if Hanks has what it takes to finally win the Academy's love back for a 6th nomination 16 years later...
Reader Comments (42)
I'm gonna say he'll be nominated. He's built up a lot of goodwill over the last few years with a couple of performances that should have been nominated so this one feels like he's "due." The fact that the movie itself is getting good reviews, has a star director, and is not being released in the December glut of Oscar-bait just makes it that much more appealing.
He'll get in if the performance keeps being remembered and being himself doesn't hurt now
I can't remember why he wasn't nominated for Captain Phillips. Streep told Ellen she was surprised that she was nominated that year, and that she was surprised that others were overlooked, like Emma Thompson or Tom Hanks.
The Sully film looks to be kind of interesting but a little TV movie-ish? But is there any actor who is leading the race at the moment? Maybe Hanks gets in if the actors are weaker this year than the actresses, which have way more than 5 strong contenders.
Also, can you do a little post on Streep working with JJ Abrams for The Nix? That will be amazing.
He doesn't need another Oscar nomination. It's not like he's smitten us with versatility. Same with Sally Field, and many more. Let the new names join the club (Blunt). Reward new talent. Reward the unrewarded greats (Close, Bening, Davis, Chastain, Adams).
For a while it felt like it was no longer necessary to reward him. he was doing solid not always interesting work, was hugely successful in Hollywood and had won two back to back Oscars. He returned to overdue for a nomination status with Captain Phillips. It was quite unfair to overlook him for that. And yes that last scene is magic.
Maybe the collecting thought of Oscar voters is: "Oh, I think he'll have enough votes for a nom. He doesn't need mine."
That's how I feell though.
I don't know what his chances are. He's been out of the Oscars longer than he's been in them. He had a 12 year grace period but during that period, he won two so there could be a feeling he's already been rewarded. Plus, he might not campaign enough to care about getting in.
He was absolutely deserving of a nom in 2013, but it was prevented by the overperformance of American Hustle on nomination morning, due to the film's clever marketing campain.
Everything was timed perfectly and, in fact, appreciation for the film peaked during the balloting weeks. It subsequently fizzled and the movie ended up completely empty handed come Oscar night, despite 10 noms.
One of those noms was an unexpected Christian Bale nom in lead actor that absolutely does not hold up well, especially when compared to the gentlemen who were left out (not only Hanks, but Oscar Isaac, Joaquin Phoenix and even Robert Redford). It was a very strong year for actors.
What was most interesting about Hanks that year is that he was talked about as a potential nominee for both lead (Captain Phillips) and supporting (Saving Mr. Banks), but ended missing for both.
I do believe though that it is only a matter of time until he breaks through and is nominated again. Also, if he scores one of those supporting actor noms further down in his later career (say, in his 70s or 80s) he may even win a third Oscar.
I agree! That final scene in Captain Phillips when he breaks down should've been enough for a nomination. What a huge blunder in the Academy's part- and for Christian Bale in American Hustle?!?
He deserved a nomination for Captain Phillips and was overlooked. I haven't seen Sully yet but I've heard good things about the performance. I want to see it this weekend. If all else fails this Oscar season for best actor, I think he will get a nomination against Affleck, Edgerton, and Keaton.
If they were going to go with one acting nomination from Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close and not vote just on the PR narrative (classic actor finally nominated and all that jazz), Hanks should have been the supporting actor nominee. He ripped my heart out in that film and was one of the few actors that actually elevated the material beyond pure exploitation of 9/11 survivor guilt.
@ Carmen, well exactly! it was a very strong year, and
- Oscar Isaac - never nominated - wonderful performance, wonderful actor, brilliant movie
- Joaquin Phoenix - never won - my favorite performance of his, in one of the best films I've ever seen
=> should've gotten in, not Tom Hanks - won twice - for your regular well-reviewed tenser-trailer-action-bailor
and surprise surprise, that's what Bridge of Spies was, and that's what Sully will be. No, thank you!
I'll defend Bale's nomination (as well as that of Amy Adams--both performances less flashy than their co-stars, but very satisfying to me). If you want to go snatching away Best Actor nominations that year, look to the overrated, "narrative"-heavy Bruce Dern and Matthew McConaughey nods and leave my man alone.
Captain Philips for me is his best ever performance,his end scene still resonates after 3 years.
Anyone think because he does have 2 Oscars he is taken for granted,I found him full of smarts and shading in Bridge Of Spies were others said it was another everyman performance,i think it's a bit shade throwing in a subtle way..
Young Tom Hanks, though...
I'm with Paul Outlaw on this one...
...but also, the narrative about Hanks's performance became SO MUCH about that ridiculously amazing last scene that people started to think of the performance as a one-trick pony, which it isn't. His work in that scene is incredible, but it wouldn't have nearly the impact it did if his work in the previous two hours wasn't so good.
I wonder if there is an asshole in him somewhere. Like maybe a Hannibal Lecter or a Hans Landa... I'd like to see him play someone nasty AF. Currently it's a bit like Joe America lands a plane, Joe America saves a spy, Joe America saves a boat, Joe America goes back to college... It all feels a bit meh ( full disclosure I have not seen a Tom Hanks film in many years apart from Bridge of Spies because he bores my tits off. And yes Bridge of Spies bored my tits off) Teaming with Eastwood? You'll only get me in the cinema at gunpoint.
Bad Taste comment there Choog.
@ choog I quite like your interpretation of his career because it's rather true. There's not a single Tom Hanks movie I've seen that I feel like re-watching.
I'll definitely see Sully and my hopes are already down so maybe that'll help me to appreciate it more.
The gun point thing? Apologies, unintentional.
I was shocked that he was snubbed for "Captain Phillips." That to me was one of his best work, and certainly more deserving of a nomination than Christian Bale. He fell victim to "American Hustle's" fast-burning buzz.
Talking about Oscar's love affair with some actors, I can remember William Hurt's three nominations in a row (1985-1987). He won once and was nominated again as supporting actor in 2005. Bradley Cooper achieved the same nUmber of noms, but no award (2012-2014).
Then there are the obvious ones:
Gary Cooper: 3 in a row (1941-1943)
Marlon Brando: 4 in a row (1951-1954)
Richard Burton: 3 in a row (1964-1966)
Jack Nicholson: 3 in a row (1973-1975)
Al Pacino: 4 in a row (1972-1975)
Am I missing anyone?
@Marcos: Russell Crowe (1999-2001)
Hanks is one of those who never phones it in, and he was indeed nomination-worthy for Captain Phillips. Extremely moving. That year was so frustrating because not only was he snubbed, but other travesties occurred such as the passing over of Redford, as this was probably his last shot, and also ignored were Oscar Isaac and Michael B. Jordan, both of whom are still overdue for their first nod. Damn you, Christian Bale! (Sorry Paul!)
I think Bale was great in American Hustle? I mean, great.
McCounaghey was the weak link.
Saw "Sully" this afternoon, and I don't think a nom is in the cards. It's an unfussy, strong performance in a short, somewhat slight movie. His acting admirably fits the workmanlike nature of the film and the character, but... I can't see it generating much passion.
Hanks was in my top five last year for "Bridge of Spies." I thought the movie was fine, and I appreciated the stately pace of it, and the craft - and, yes, maybe it was a little dry, or stuffy. But think people really shortchanged that performance - like someone said above, it's shaded, cagey, and fully alert, when he easily could have coasted. It's an old-fashioned movie star performance, and thoughtful decency gets a bad rap as "dull" or "easy" to play. Not that well, it isn't. He elevated the whole film, more so to me than even Rylance (whose quiet depth, thank goodness, beat out the scenery-munching tic bonzazas of Hardy and Ruffalo... I love Riffalo, generally, but, dude, what the hell with that performance?).
I think the next Hanks nom, if there is one, will come in Supporting Actor. Just a baseless hunch.
I think he's one the stars we take for granted. The relative ease and surprising complexity he imbues in every one of his roles. I think thats what keeps him outside the Best Actor nomination talk. Like, oh of course he was the only one who could play Walt Disney and make him an actual person instead of just a caricature. Of course he's the only actor in Hollywood who could be James Donovan and make him a real human instead a Jimmy Stewart paragon of virtue. But even with the uniform excellence of his performances, I'm still shocked he didn't get nominated for Captain Phillips. I'm still mad about that.
@choog - he actually played a series of nasty characters in Cloud Atlas; his performance in that movie was a little hit and miss though.
My lineup that year would have been DiCaprio, Ejiofor, Hanks, Isaac and Phoenix.
Unless you believe Hanks deserves a 3rd Oscar, what's the point of whining about his inability to get a 6th nomination? 90's winners who could use an additional nomination/win: Holly Hunter, Emma Thompson, Kathy Bates, and Dianne Wiest.
Cal, my pick for the gold was Dern, but Matt was also brought brilliant! I actually wanted a tie for Oscar between Bruce and Chiwetel. It hadn't happened since March and Beery. But Nathaniel told me not to get my hopes up lol
This guy is THE most UNDESERVED Oscar winner ever! May he never get nominated again!
if the box office is big (and it looks to be on weekend #1), he's in...a la Matt Damon last year.
don't worry; the academy will be throwing him a honorary award before too long [and long before it awards one to close or weaver of pfeiffer or...]
@ brookesboy
If you're placing Dern and McConaughey among the top of the field that year, then I can't help you, since they're my bottom two. ;-)
My nominees: Christian Bale (but in Out of the Furnace even though I can accept the AH nod), Leo DiCaprio, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael B. Jordan, Joaquin Phoenix.
Every single actor in American Hustle was brilliant, like in most DOR movies. I don't know where this backlash came from. Is this because of Lawrence? Get over it: she was very good in SLP, awesome (in a very SUPERSTAR way) in Anerican Hustle and terrific in Joy. And American Hustle is one of DOR best movies, sorry.
I think Hanks is going to miss again for Sully. Since I haven't seen the picture yet, I can't comment about how deserving or not his actual performance is, but I think he will always miss some votes from members who just feel he's been honored enough.
Just an aside since this post concerns Best Actor - shouldn't Jerry Lewis be at least in consideration for Max Rose in Tier 3 or so on the charts? At 90 years old and starring in his first movie in 25 years, there has to be some buzz about him receiving his first nomination.
Gabe - totally agree with your thoughts on Hanks work in Bridge of Spies -- i think he's giving much stronger performances now than he did in the 90s when Oscar loved him.
Cal, for me only Amy was great. The others were good in fits and starts Bu they never came close to resembling actual humans. And Cooper was way too manic. Ack.
Don't forget Hanks still has Inferno to come this season, and given that's it's likely to be both rubbish and that Tom will give it the same decent promotion push that he does for Sully, it may well leave a nasty taste in the mouth.
His work in A HOLOGRAM FOR THE KING is so much more interesting and layered, to me anyway, than what he's doing in SULLY. I'm sad others didn't seem to take to it.