From Big to Forrest Gump, tom hanks’ film career has been marked by unforgettable roles and a trail of Oscar nominations. Here are all of his Oscar-nominated performances, ranked based on his work, the movie’s quality, and the performance’s overall legacy.
- Andrew Beckett in ‘Philadelphia’ (1993)
- Forrest Gump in ‘Forrest Gump’ (1994)
- Captain John Miller in ‘Saving Private Ryan’ (1998)
- Chuck Noland in ‘Cast Away’ (2000)
- Josh Baskin in ‘Big’ (1988)
- Fred Rogers in ‘A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood’ (2019)
Tom Hanks has received six Oscar nominations throughout his career, a testament to his enduring talent and dedication to his craft. While he has yet to win another Best Actor Oscar, his performances continue to leave a lasting impact on the film industry.
Philadelphia tells the story of Andrew Beckett, a successful lawyer who is fired after his firm discovers he has AIDS. With the help of a reluctant attorney, played by Denzel Washington, Beckett sues for wrongful dismissal and fights back against discrimination. Directed by the late great Jonathan Demme, the film was one of the first mainstream Hollywood movies to address HIV/AIDS and homophobia. It sparked important conversations, resonated with audiences, and became a powerful document of its time.
“I was scared to death, but I was also angry.” – Tom Hanks on playing Andrew Beckett
This role earned Hanks his first Academy Award win and his second nomination. Hanks’ sensitive and deeply moving portrayal of Beckett showed both strength and vulnerability, helping break down stigma through cinema. Hanks lost weight and fully committed to the emotional depth of the role, delivering a performance that helped people see the human side of AIDS.
Forrest Gump follows the life of a kind-hearted man with a low IQ who somehow finds himself at the center of some of the biggest moments in American history. From playing college football to fighting in Vietnam, starting a shrimp business, and inspiring a running craze, Forrest lives an extraordinary life while staying true to himself. With unforgettable quotes and iconic moments, the film became a cultural phenomenon — though many still believe The Shawshank Redemption deserved the Best Picture Oscar instead.
“I felt like Forrest, and that’s why I think the film resonates with so many people.” – Tom Hanks on playing Forrest Gump
Hanks gives a deeply lovable performance as Forrest, earning him a second consecutive Oscar, which was predictable since he won the majority of the precursor awards. His portrayal captures Forrest’s innocence, charm, and quiet strength, making him one of the most beloved characters in movie history.
Saving Private Ryan is a powerful World War II drama about a group of soldiers sent on a mission to rescue Private James Ryan, the last surviving brother in a family devastated by war. The film shows the horrors of battle with unforgettable realism, especially during its opening scene. Steven Spielberg’s direction and Hanks’ performance are at their best here, blending action and emotion to create a heartbreaking, thoughtful film about sacrifice, duty, and what it means to be a hero.
“I was humbled by the experience of playing Captain Miller, and I think it’s a testament to the power of film to move us.” – Tom Hanks on playing Captain Miller
Hanks leads the story as Captain John Miller, showing quiet strength and deep emotion. His performance reminds us that soldiers are regular people facing impossible choices. Hanks plays Miller as a brave leader who is also scared, tired, and human. It’s one of his most powerful roles, balancing courage with vulnerability.
Cast Away tells the story of Chuck Noland, a FedEx executive whose plane crashes in the Pacific Ocean, leaving him stranded on a deserted island. With no one else around, Chuck must learn to survive, both physically and emotionally. The movie explores isolation, resilience, and the power of hope, shown best through Chuck’s unexpected bond with a volleyball named Wilson. It’s a quiet, powerful story of survival, heartbreak, and starting over that still holds up today.
“I was amazed by the complexity of Chuck’s character, and I think it’s what makes the film so memorable.” – Tom Hanks on playing Chuck Noland
Hanks gave everything to this role, losing 55 pounds, pausing production for months, and even suffering a serious injury on set. His performance as Chuck is one of the best in his career, showing both emotional depth and physical transformation.
Big is a fantasy-comedy about Josh Baskin, a 12-year-old boy who wishes to be “big” at a carnival machine and wakes up the next morning as a grown man. What follows is a fun, heartfelt coming-of-age story about growing up too fast. Directed by Penny Marshall, the movie became an ‘80s classic, mixing humor, fantasy, and sweet life lessons. The giant piano scene remains one of the most iconic moments in film history.
“I was thrilled to play Josh, and I think it’s what helped launch my career as a leading man.” – Tom Hanks on playing Josh Baskin
Hanks gives a pitch-perfect performance, capturing the curiosity, clumsiness, and wide-eyed wonder of a child trapped in an adult’s body. His role in Big marked his first-ever Oscar nomination and proved his ability to carry both comedic and emotional weight.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood tells the story of a troubled journalist (played by Matthew Rhys) assigned to profile TV icon Fred Rogers. While the movie has its heart in the right place, it plays things a bit too safe. It didn’t leave a huge impact and only landed a single Oscar nomination for Hanks’ work as Fred Rogers. In a year full of big wins like Parasite and Joker, this film faded into the background.
“I was honored to play Fred Rogers, and I think it’s a testament to his legacy that the film brought so much attention to his life and work.” – Tom Hanks on playing Fred Rogers
Hanks gives a warm and heartfelt performance that makes the movie worth watching. Playing a beloved figure like Mister Rogers is no easy task, but Hanks captures his kindness, patience, and gentle spirit perfectly. His calm presence adds depth to a film that could have been much more moving.
In conclusion, Tom Hanks’ Oscar-nominated performances showcase his incredible range and dedication to his craft. From the heartbreak of ‘Philadelphia’ to the wonder of ‘Big’, Hanks has proven himself to be one of the greatest actors of our time.