Although we enjoy the Academy Awards every year, we always walk away with a sour taste in our mouths. Today I will continue my series on the Oscar winners. I will share my thoughts on who won, who should’ve won and who should’ve been nominated.

The first race I am going to tackle is the 1996 Best Actor race.

Here were the 5 Actors nominated for Best Actor.

Geoffrey Rush – Shine

Tom Cruise – Jerry Maquire

Billy Bob Thornton – Sling Blade

Ralph Fiennes – The English Patient

Woody Harrelson – The People Vs. Larry Flynt

Geoffrey Rush played Pianist David Helfgott who after has a breakdown, years later he returns to the piano, to popular if not critical acclaim.



Shine was nominated for 7 Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director but Geoffrey Rush win for Best Actor was the only trophy the film took home.

Who Should Have Won?: Tom Cruise – Jerry Maguire

Cruise’s counterpart in the film Cuba Gooding Jr. took home the Oscar for his role as Rod Tidwell and it was well deserved. BUTTTTTTT without Cruise, Gooding isn’t as good in this movie.



I just re-watched this film and Cruise was an absolute star. The character arc of Jerry Maguire is beautiful, touching, warm, full of love. And they should have SHOWED HIM THE OSCAR!!!!!!



Side Note: I would not have been upset to see Harrelson win for his amazing performance in The People vs. Larry Flynt

Who Should Have Been Nominated?: Ewan McGregor – Trainspotting

This movie was weird and I do believe that’s why it was largely ignored by the Academy. They don’t appreciate art in an off the wall approach. This wasn’t a cut and dry story of . It was artsy, it was fun, it was Ewan McGregor showcasing his ability to act. He was so good in this film and it was sad he got overlooked.

Who would you have picked as the winner? And what film was missing from being nominated?

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