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Tom Cruise skipping the Oscars felt like the ultimate mic drop. Back in the day, Cruise delivered a knockout performance that had critics buzzing and fans raving, comparing him to legends like Dustin Hoffman. But when it came time for the Academy to give credit where it was due, they completely fumbled the ball.
Cruise had every right to feel overlooked, and his absence from Hollywood’s biggest night makes perfect sense. After all, why show up for an industry that didn’t show up for him?
When the Academy overlooked Tom Cruise: A snub too big to ignore
Tom Cruisegave a career-defining performance inRain Man, effortlessly holding his own alongsideDustin Hoffman’s Oscar-winning turn. Although Hoffman’s portrayal of an autistic savant earned universal praise, it was Cruise’s role as the emotionally battered brother that infused a deeper feeling into the story.
Yet, despite showcasing the raw frustration and love of a man grappling with an impossible family dynamic, Cruise didn’t even make the Best Actor shortlist. One fan put it best on Reddit:“He was just as good as Hoffman…”
But this wasn’t his only snub. A decade later, Cruise delivered another knockout inMagnolia, playing a magnetic yet broken self-help guru. That role earned him a Supporting Actor nod but no win.
For an actor who’s consistently redefined Hollywood stardom, the Academy’s cold shoulder toward some of his best work feels almost personal.
“Like an assistant editor just got fired”: Tom Cruise’s The Mummy Made a Huge Blunder That Almost Became an Accidental Genius Move
Fast-forward to last Oscars. Cruise skipped the ceremony despiteTop Gun: Maverickbeing up for six awards. Speculations ran wild: Was he filmingMission Impossiblein Italy? Nope. He was spotted days later celebrating Sir Michael Caine’s 90th birthday.
David Letterman, never one to hold back,called his absence “nonsense”onJimmy Kimmel Live. Kimmel, meanwhile, couldn’t resist a dig, quipping about Cruise’s“big jet pack Maverick show.”
Letterman and Kimmel weren’t wrong. Cruise’s no-show raised eyebrows, especially afterMaverickgrossed $1.49 billion and revitalized theaters.
No, Timothée Chalamet Didn’t Really Copy Tom Cruise and Penelope Cruz’s Romantic Moment From Vanilla Sky
But maybe Cruise, stung by decades of Academy snubs, decided the Oscars didn’t deserve him. After all, skipping an event that has repeatedly overlooked you? That might just be his most “Oscar-worthy” move yet.
From Razzies to Oscars: Tom Cruise’s whirlwind 1988
Tom Cruisepulled off a rare Hollywood featin 1988, starring in both a Razzie and an Oscar-winning film.Cocktailsnagged Worst Picture for its hollow love story and flashy gimmicks, whileRain Manwalked away with Best Picture for its heartfelt portrayal of brotherly bonds.
The films couldn’t be more different.Cocktail, riddled with studio interference, drowned its once-promising plot in shallow romance. Meanwhile,Rain Manthrived, with Cruise holding his own against Dustin Hoffman’s award-winning performance. Reflecting onCocktail,Cruise admittedit“was not a crowning jewel.”
Curious? Both are streaming on Prime Video and Apple TV.
“It’s my playful revenge”: Nicole Kidman’s ‘Babygirl’ Is a Response to Tom Cruise in ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ if Her Fantasy Really Came True
Rain Manis available to watch on Amazon Prime & Apple TV.
Heena Singh
Editor | Former Senior Writer
Articles Published :1457
Heena Singh is a Editor at FandomWire, spent the last two years making waves in entertainment journalism. With a knack for digging up blockbuster celebrity scoops and an uncanny nose for the latest buzz, Heena’s articles bring a fresh and fun perspective to life. When she’s not conquering writing challenges, you’ll find her curled up in bed, peacefully sleeping.
