Tom Cruise: Which Movie Should He Have Won An Oscar For?

A few days ago I watched Rain Man (1988) again and was shocked Tom Cruise wasn't nominated for the Best Supporting Oscar. While Dustin Hoffman deservedly won Best Actor playing an Autistic Savant, Cruise as his brother Charlie Babbit provided the emotional grounding opposite Hoffman’s role.

Tom Cruise is one of Hollywood’s most iconic stars, yet despite a career filled with critically acclaimed performances, he’s never won an Academy Award. A deeper look at three standout roles—Born on the Fourth of July, Jerry Maguire, and Magnolia—makes a strong case for overdue recognition.

In Born on the Fourth of July (1989), Cruise delivers a transformative performance as paralyzed Vietnam veteran Ron Kovic. Vulnerable, intense, and deeply human, this role earned him his first Oscar nomination—and arguably should have won. The emotional range he displayed was nothing short of career-defining.

Jerry Maguire (1996) showcased Cruise’s charm and dramatic depth. As a sports agent struggling with integrity, he brought both charisma and moral complexity. Though he lost the Oscar, the role remains iconic thanks to unforgettable lines like “Show me the money!”

Then came Magnolia (1999), where Cruise portrayed a toxic motivational speaker unraveling beneath a façade of confidence. This daring, emotionally raw performance earned widespread acclaim and a third Oscar nomination.

While each of these films presented Oscar-worthy work, Born on the Fourth of July stands out as the performance that should have sealed Cruise’s Oscar win. It's time the Academy recognizes what audiences have known for decades—Tom Cruise is more than a movie star; he’s a phenomenal actor. Comment below on what film you wish Tom Cruise won an Oscar for.

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Source: Dan Lalonde

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