Author: Anthony Stream

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ACADEMY AWARDS FOR BEST ACTOR (1990-1999)

The Academy Awards for Best Actor in the 1990s showcased some of the finest performances by actors of the decade. From dramatic roles to comedic turns, the actors in this list brought their A-game to the silver screen and left a lasting impact on cinema.

1990: Jeremy Irons for “Reversal of Fortune”

Jeremy Irons won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in the 1990 film “Reversal of Fortune.” In the film, he plays Claus von Bulow, a wealthy socialite accused of attempting to murder his wife. Irons gives a nuanced and captivating performance as von Bulow, capturing the character’s charm, intelligence, and enigmatic nature. His portrayal of Claus von Bulow is considered one of the most memorable and iconic performances of his career, showcasing his ability to convey the complexity of a character and his talent for immersing himself in a role.

1991: Anthony Hopkins for “The Silence of the Lambs”

Anthony Hopkins won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in the 1991 film “The Silence of the Lambs.” In the film, he plays the character of Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant psychiatrist and cannibalistic serial killer who is consulted by FBI agent Clarice Starling in her search for another serial killer. Hopkins gives a chilling and mesmerizing performance as Lecter, capturing the character’s intelligence, sophistication, and sinister nature. His portrayal of Hannibal Lecter is considered one of the most iconic and memorable performances in film history, and his Oscar win was well-deserved.

1992: Al Pacino for “Scent of a Woman”

Al Pacino won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in the 1992 film “Scent of a Woman.” In the film, he plays the character of Frank Slade, a blind retired Lieutenant Colonel who takes a young man under his wing for a weekend trip to New York City. Pacino gives a powerful and captivating performance as Slade, capturing the character’s strength, vulnerability, and wisdom. His portrayal of Frank Slade is considered one of the most memorable and iconic performances of his career, showcasing his ability to convey the complexity of a character and his talent for emotive acting.

1993: Tom Hanks for “Philadelphia”

Tom Hanks won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in the 1993 film “Philadelphia.” In the film, he plays the character of Andrew Beckett, a successful lawyer who is fired from his job after his employers discover he has AIDS. Hanks gives a moving and heartbreaking performance as Beckett, capturing the character’s dignity, strength, and vulnerability. His portrayal of Andrew Beckett is considered one of the most iconic and memorable performances of his career, showcasing his ability to convey the complexity of a character and his talent for dramatic acting.

1994: Tom Hanks for “Forrest Gump”

Tom Hanks won his second Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in the 1994 film “Forrest Gump.” In the film, he plays the character of Forrest Gump, a kind-hearted and simple man who becomes inadvertently involved in many of the major events of the 20th century. Hanks gives a charming and heartwarming performance as Gump, capturing the character’s innocence, humor, and sincerity. His portrayal of Forrest Gump is considered one of the most memorable and iconic performances of his career, showcasing his ability to embody a character and his talent for comedic acting.

1995: Nicolas Cage for “Leaving Las Vegas”

Nicolas Cage won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in the 1995 film “Leaving Las Vegas.” In the film, he plays the character of Ben Sanderson, an alcoholic screenwriter who goes to Las Vegas to drink himself to death. Cage delivers a haunting and raw performance as Sanderson, capturing the character’s pain, desperation, and self-destruction. His portrayal of Ben Sanderson is considered one of the most powerful and moving performances of his career, showcasing his ability to fully immerse himself in a role and his talent for dramatic acting.

1996: Geoffrey Rush for “Shine”

Geoffrey Rush won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in the 1996 film “Shine.” In the film, he plays the character of David Helfgott, a gifted pianist who struggles with mental illness. Rush gives a dynamic and captivating performance as Helfgott, capturing the character’s passion, turmoil, and vulnerability. His portrayal of David Helfgott is considered one of the most memorable and iconic performances of his career, showcasing his ability to convey the complexity of a character and his talent for emotive acting.

1997: Jack Nicholson for “As Good as It Gets”

Jack Nicholson won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in the 1997 film “As Good as It Gets.” In the film, he plays the character of Melvin Udall, an obsessive-compulsive writer who forms an unlikely friendship with a waitress and a gay artist. Nicholson gives a masterful and nuanced performance as Udall, capturing the character’s wit, vulnerability, and growth. His portrayal of Melvin Udall is considered one of the most memorable and iconic performances of his career, showcasing his ability to embody a character and his talent for comedic acting.

1998: Roberto Benigni for “Life is Beautiful”

Roberto Benigni won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in the 1998 film “Life is Beautiful.” In the film, he plays the character of Guido, a Jewish Italian who is sent to a concentration camp with his son during World War II. Benigni gives a heartfelt and poignant performance as Guido, capturing the character’s love, humor, and determination to protect his son. His portrayal of Guido is considered one of the most moving and memorable performances in film history, showcasing his ability to convey a character’s emotional depth and his talent for both comedic and dramatic acting.

1999: Kevin Spacey for “American Beauty”

Kevin Spacey won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in the 1999 film “American Beauty.” In the film, he plays the character of Lester Burnham, a middle-aged man going through a mid-life crisis. Spacey gives a masterful and nuanced performance as Burnham, capturing the character’s humor, despair, and transformation. His portrayal of Lester Burnham is considered one of the most iconic and memorable performances of his career, showcasing his ability to convey the complexity of a character and his talent for emotive acting.

Overall, the 1990s was a decade that saw some of the most memorable and captivating performances by actors in the history of cinema. From the chilling and enigmatic portrayal of Hannibal Lecter by Anthony Hopkins to the charming and sincere performance of Forrest Gump by Tom Hanks, the actors on this list left a lasting impact on the art of acting and storytelling. Their talent, dedication, and hard work paved the way for future generations of actors and set a high standard for excellence in the film industry. The Academy Awards for Best Actor in the 1990s celebrated some of the finest performances in cinematic history, and their legacy will continue to inspire and captivate audiences for years to come.

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Awards Film

ACADEMY AWARDS FOR BEST ACTRESS (1990-1999)

1990: Kathy Bates for “Misery”

Kathy Bates won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the 1990 film “Misery.” In the film, she plays the character of Annie Wilkes, a deranged fan who kidnaps her favorite author, played by James Caan, and holds him captive in her remote cabin. Bates gives a chilling and intense performance as the unstable and obsessive Wilkes, earning critical acclaim for her portrayal of the character. The role of Annie Wilkes is considered one of Bates’ most iconic and memorable performances, and her win at the Oscars was well-deserved.

1991: Jodie Foster for “The Silence of the Lambs”

Jodie Foster won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the 1991 film “The Silence of the Lambs.” In the film, she plays the character of Clarice Starling, an FBI agent who is tasked with hunting down a serial killer known as “Buffalo Bill.” Foster gives a powerful and nuanced performance as Starling, a young agent who must navigate the dangerous and male-dominated world of law enforcement. Her portrayal of Starling is complex, showing the vulnerability and strength of the character, and earning Foster critical acclaim. She manages to convey the internal struggle of her character as well as her determination to succeed in an almost perfect way. Her portrayal of Starling is considered one of her most iconic and memorable performances, andshe truly deserved the Oscar she won.

1992: Emma Thompson for “Howards End”

Emma Thompson won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the 1992 film “Howards End.” In the film, she plays the character of Margaret Schlegel, a strong-willed and independent woman living in turn-of-the-century England. Thompson gives a masterful and nuanced performance as Schlegel, capturing her intelligence, wit, and complexity. Her portrayal of Margaret Schlegel is considered one of the most memorable and iconic performances of Emma’s career, showcasing her range as an actress and her ability to convey subtle emotions. The film is based on the novel by E.M. Forster and is a commentary on the changing society of the time and the values and conflicts between different social classes. Her deserved Oscar win was a testament to her skill.

1993: Holly Hunter for “The Piano”

Holly Hunter won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the 1993 film “The Piano.” In the film, she plays the character of Ada McGrath, a mute woman who is sent to live in New Zealand in the mid-19th century as a wife to a man she has never met. Hunter gives a powerful and emotive performance as Ada, conveying the character’s inner emotions and thoughts through her body language and facial expressions. Her portrayal of Ada is considered one of the most memorable and iconic performances of Holly’s career, showcasing her ability to convey complex emotions without the use of dialogue. The film is directed by Jane Campion and it’s a story of a woman’s self-discovery and empowerment, and Hunter’s performance is key to the success of the film. Her achievement of the Oscar was well-deserved.

1994: Jessica Lange for “Blue Sky”

Jessica Lange won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the 1994 film “Blue Sky.” In the film, she plays the character of Carly Marshall, a wife and mother who becomes increasingly unfulfilled in her life and starts to have an affair with a co-worker. Lange gives a raw and powerful performance as Carly, capturing the character’s emotional turmoil and her struggle with her desire for something more in her life. Her portrayal of Carly Marshall is considered one of the most memorable and iconic performances of Jessica’s career, showcasing her range as an actress and her ability to convey the complexity of a character. The film directed by Tony Richardson is a story of a woman’s desire for self-expression and freedom, and Lange’s performance is key to the success of the film. Her performance warranted the Oscar she received.

1995: Susan Sarandon for “Dead Man Walking”

Susan Sarandon won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the 1995 film “Dead Man Walking.” In the film, she plays the character of Sister Helen Prejean, a Catholic nun who becomes the spiritual advisor to a death row inmate played by Sean Penn. Sarandon gives a nuanced and powerful performance as Sister Helen, capturing the character’s humanity and compassion as she struggles with her beliefs and feelings. Her portrayal of Sister Helen is considered one of the most memorable and iconic performances of Susan’s career, showcasing her ability to convey the complexity of a character and her dedication to her craft. The film is directed by Tim Robbins and it’s based on the true story of Sister Helen Prejean and her work with death row inmates. The Academy Award was justly earned by her.

1996: Frances McDormand for “Fargo”

Frances McDormand won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the 1996 film “Fargo.” In the film, she plays the character of Marge Gunderson, a small-town police chief who is investigating a series of murders that take place in her community. McDormand gives a masterful and captivating performance as Marge, capturing the character’s intelligence, grit, and sense of humor. Her portrayal of Marge Gunderson is considered one of the most memorable and iconic performances of Frances’s career, showcasing her ability to convey the complexity of a character and her versatility as an actress. The film, directed by the Coen brothers, is a darkly comedic crime story and McDormand’s portrayal of the main character is essential to the success of the film. The Oscar win was a deserved recognition of her talent.

1997: Helen Hunt for “As Good as It Gets”

Helen Hunt won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the 1997 film “As Good as It Gets.” In the film, she plays the character of Carol Connelly, a waitress and single mother who forms an unlikely friendship with an obsessive-compulsive writer, played by Jack Nicholson. Hunt gives a nuanced and relatable performance as Carol, capturing the character’s resilience and determination in the face of difficult circumstances. Her portrayal of Carol Connelly is considered one of the most memorable and iconic performances of Helen’s career, showcasing her ability to convey the complexity of a character and her chemistry with her co-stars. The film directed by James L. Brooks, is a story of an unlikely friendship and the power of human connection. The Oscar she won was a deserving honor for her work.

1998: Gwyneth Paltrow for “Shakespeare in Love”

Gwyneth Paltrow won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the 1998 film “Shakespeare in Love.” In the film, she plays the character of Viola de Lesseps, a young woman who disguises herself as a man in order to audition for a play written by William Shakespeare, played by Joseph Fiennes. Paltrow gives a charming and captivating performance as Viola, capturing the character’s wit, passion, and vulnerability. Her portrayal of Viola de Lesseps is considered one of the most memorable and iconic performances of Gwyneth’s career, showcasing her ability to convey the complexity of a character and her chemistry with her co-stars. The film directed by John Madden is a romantic comedy and a fictionalized account of the life of Shakespeare. The Academy Award she received was well-deserved.

1999: Hilary Swank for “Boys Don’t Cry”

Hilary Swank won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the 1999 film “Boys Don’t Cry.” In the film, she plays the character of Brandon Teena, a transgender man living in a small town in Nebraska. Swank gives a powerful and transformative performance as Brandon, capturing the character’s courage, vulnerability, and resilience. Her portrayal of Brandon Teena is considered one of the most memorable and iconic performances of Hilary’s career, showcasing her ability to convey the complexity of a character and her dedication to her craft. The film directed by Kimberly Peirce is based on the true story of Brandon Teena and it’s a story of identity, acceptance, and tragedy. Her Oscar win was a fitting recognition of her talent.

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Top Lists

TOP 5 ACTING AUDIOBOOKS

1. “The Meisner technique” by Sanford Meisner

“On Acting” by Sanford Meisner is a must-read for actors at all levels. The renowned acting teacher and member of the Group Theater in the 1930s lays out his approach to acting which emphasizes the importance of being fully present and connected to other actors on stage. Meisner’s techniques, including “sense memory” and “repetition exercises,” help actors tap into their emotions and instincts for truthful and meaningful performances. Meisner stresses that the actor must be fully invested in the reality of the scene to “live truthfully under imaginary circumstances”, and not simply recite lines or “play a character.” With an introduction by Sydney Pollack and read by Jason Culp, Arthur Morey, and Mark Bramhall, this book offers a clear and practical approach to the craft of acting.

2. “The art of acting” by Stella Adler

“The Art of Acting” by Stella Adler is a must-read for actors of all levels. Adler, a renowned acting teacher, actress, and member of the Group Theater in the 1930s, shares her decades of experience in this comprehensive guide to the craft of acting. Adler emphasizes the importance of understanding the “given circumstances” of a scene, including the character’s history, relationships, and motivations. She also stresses the importance of using personal experiences and emotions to bring truth and depth to performances, and encourages actors to use their body and voice as expressive tools. In addition to the technical aspects of acting, Adler also touches on the importance of the actor’s self-awareness, encouraging actors to constantly strive for personal growth and development. She stresses the importance of ongoing study and the need to challenge oneself as an artist. The Art of Acting” is a valuable resource for actors at all levels, offering a clear and practical approach to the craft of acting. Adler’s insights and exercises can help actors analyze scripts, create specific characterizations, and bring truth and depth to their performances. This brand-new audio edition of The Art of Acting is vibrantly narrated by Bonnie Agan.

3. “A challenge for the actor” by Uta Hagen

Uta Hagen, a renowned stage actress, taught acting for 40+ years at the HB Studio in New York. Her first book, Respect for Acting, published in 1973, is still a best seller. Her second book, A Challenge for the Actor, is now available in audio format. Hagen expands her thoughts on acting and teaching, discussing the actor’s goals and techniques, relationship to physical and psychological senses, and offers exercises to help actors learn their craft. The exercises deal with developing the actor’s physical destination in a role; making changes in the self serviceable in the creation of a character; recreating physical sensations; bringing the outdoors on stage; finding occupation while waiting; talking to oneself and the audience; and employing historical imagination. The scope and range of Uta Hagen here is extraordinary. Her years of acting and teaching have made her as finely seasoned an artist as the theatre has produced. This audiobook is masterfully read by award-winning narrator and actor Barbara Rosenblat.

4. “Acting: The First Six Lessons” by Richard Boleslavsky

Acting: The First Six Lessons is a book written by Richard Boleslavsky, a Polish actor and director. It is considered a classic text on the art of acting, and covers a range of topics such as character analysis, scene study, and the use of imagination in performance. The book is based on the acting classes that Boleslavsky taught at the American Laboratory Theatre in New York City in the early 20th century, and is widely used as a guide for actors and acting students.

5. “Directing Actors: Creating Memorable Performances for Film & Television” by Judith Weston

In this essential guide to acting, internationally renowned directing coach Judith Weston demonstrates what constitutes a good performance, what actors want from a director, and what directors do wrong. She also goes over script analysis and preparation and how actors work, and she shares important and helpful insights into the director/actor relationship. The Directing Actors audiobook was recorded by Judith Weston in 2019 and is based on the classic best seller from 1996. 

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