I Just Found Out Tom Cruise Has Never Won An Oscar. The Story Behind What He’s Been Nominated For And Who Beat Him To The Win

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Tom Cruise, a remarkably talented actor, has consistently delivered outstanding performances since the 1980s, spanning every decade. Whether it’s scaling skyscrapers or tugging at our heartstrings, there’s little doubt that Tom Cruise can captivate an audience. However, I was surprised to learn recently that the star of “Top Gun” has never received an Oscar. Curiosity piqued, I delved into the story behind his nominations and discovered who ultimately took home the award instead.

Born and raised in Syracuse, Tom Cruise has been acting since he turned 18, landing supporting roles in “Taps” and “The Outsiders.” However, it was his portrayal of an ambitious football player in “All the Right Moves” and his energetic dance performances in “Risky Business” that truly catapulted him to fame. With over 55 movies under his belt at the time of this writing, it’s surprising he doesn’t possess an Oscar statuette on his shelf yet. Here’s a look into all his Oscar nominations and who ultimately won instead:

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Tom Cruise, a native of Syracuse, has been acting since the age of 18, with supporting roles in “Taps” and “The Outsiders.” But it was his performances as an ambitious football player in “All the Right Moves” and his dance routines in “Risky Business” that truly made him a household name. With over 55 movies to his credit at the time of this writing, it’s hard to believe he doesn’t have an Oscar on his shelf yet. Here is a rundown of all his Oscar nominations and who ultimately took home the award:

1. Born on the Fourth of July (1989)

Tom Cruise’s initial Oscar nomination was for his exceptional performance in one of the most powerful war films ever produced, titled “Born on the Fourth of July“. This biographical film presents the true account of Ron Kovic, a man who, fueled by patriotism, signed up for the Vietnam War, but returned home as a paraplegic. The narrative traces his arduous journey dealing with both physical and emotional hardships upon returning home, eventually leading him to become an anti-war activist. Cruise delivered an outstanding portrayal of his character’s transformative journey from initial enthusiasm for war participation to the disillusionment and heartbreak often faced by veterans.

Although the movie directed by Oliver Stone took home the awards for Best Director and Best Film Editing, Tom Cruise wasn’t victorious in his Best Actor category. Instead, Daniel Day-Lewis won for “My Left Foot.” Interestingly, Cruise and Day-Lewis shared some similarities in their nominations. Both were recognized for portraying real-life individuals with disabilities. Just as Cruise did, it was the first time Day-Lewis received an Oscar nod for a film. Regrettably, Cruise didn’t get to deliver an acceptance speech in 1990, but Day-Lewis delivered a remarkable performance depicting Christy Brown’s physical struggles with cerebral palsy and the intense emotional depth of the actual artist.

Watch Born on the Fourth of July for rent on digital platforms.

2. Jerry Maguire (1996)

A standout film that demonstrated Tom Cruise’s acting prowess beyond action roles was taking center stage in “Jerry Maguire“. In this Cameron Crowe-directed drama-comedy, a sports agent chooses to work independently while delving into the heartwarming bond between his sole client and an ex-colleague. The Golden Globe recipient displayed his ability to adapt by portraying a character who grappled with personal doubts and insecurities, much like any other person, as he juggled career challenges and relationships.

In a surprising turn of events, the actor from “War of the Worlds” might have received his second Oscar nomination for the film “Jerry Maguire,” but it was Geoffrey Rush who took home the Best Actor award at the Oscars that year. Rush starred in the biopic “Shine,” where he portrayed a real-life pianist struggling with mental health issues and aiming for a career resurgence. It was Rush’s nuanced performance, showcasing his character’s vulnerability and resilience, that struck a chord with both audiences and critics alike.

Watch Jerry Maguire on your Paramount+ subscription.

3. Magnolia (1999)

It’s not surprising that Tom Cruise’s iconic character Frank Mackey from the drama “Magnolia,” directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, contributed to the actor earning his third Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. In this movie, Cruise played a misogynistic self-help guru who had deep vulnerabilities hidden beneath his tough exterior. Despite being a supporting character, Cruise’s portrayal left an indelible impression on audiences, making his character stand out among the talented ensemble cast by commanding every scene he was in.

While Tom Cruise gave an outstanding performance in “Magnolia”, it was Sir Michael Caine who won the Best Supporting Actor accolade at the 72nd Academy Awards, for his role in “The Cider House Rules”. In this movie, he portrayed Dr. Wilbur Larch, a figure of fatherly guidance to the orphans he cared for during World War II. Michael Caine’s depiction of this complex and passionate character earned him four other award nominations and a Screen Actors Guild award for his performance as well.

Watch Magnolia for rent on digital platforms.

Bonus: Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

In the highly successful movie sequel, “Top Gun: Maverick”, Tom Cruise was listed among the potential winners for Best Picture since he served as one of its producers. Prior to the official announcement of nominations for the 95th Academy Awards, his fellow actors like Glen Powell expressed their belief that Cruise deserved a Best Actor nomination. Additionally, Jennifer Connelly shared similar sentiments, praising him for his “extraordinary” dedication during filming. It would have been a significant achievement for Cruise to receive the coveted Oscar statuette, recognizing his portrayal of his character’s emotional depth and spectacular flying sequences.

Regrettably, Tom Cruise faced one of the most significant oversights in 2023 for the Best Actor category at the Oscars. The cast and team behind the action-drama film were displeased that Cruise was not among the nominees. Miles Teller voiced his disappointment about the Oscars’ oversight, believing that Cruise’s exceptional performance in Mission: Impossible, which resulted from countless hours of practice, went unacknowledged. Jerry Bruckheimer also shared his thoughts on the snub, referring to Cruise as the “heartbeat” of the movie. That year, Brendan Fraser won his first Oscar for The Whale, portraying a secluded English teacher attempting to reconcile with his daughter while dealing with deteriorating health. Unfortunately, Top Gun: Maverick did not secure a Best Picture win, and A24’s Everything Everywhere All At Once took home the award instead.

Stream the highly-anticipated movie “Top Gun: Maverick” using your Paramount+ subscription.

It’s astonishing that despite four decades of impressing audiences with his exceptional acting skills, Tom Cruise hasn’t yet received an Oscar. However, many outstanding actors have achieved Oscar success later in their careers, so it’s not impossible for Cruise to do the same someday. Given the momentum of his successful career, I am optimistic that we will one day witness Cruise holding the coveted golden statuette with a joyful expression on his face. If the Oscars ever introduce an award for stunts, Cruise could be among the first to win it, recognizing his extraordinary stuntwork, in addition to his acting abilities.

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2025-01-22 16:07