In Hollywood, where dreams are made and broken with the toss of a coin, sometimes it seems like the deck is stacked against even the most deserving actors. Take Tom Cruise, for example, who has charmed audiences with his megawatt grin and natural charisma. Yet, according to director Oliver Stone, the actor was unfairly denied the chance to clutch an Academy Award in his hands.
Cruise’s role in Born on the Fourth of July truly mirrored his acting chops. And thus, it seemed like he was destined for greatness and the coveted ‘Best Actor’ award at the Oscars. However, as fate would have it, the actor found himself up against a fierce competition that included the likes of Kenneth Branagh, Morgan Freeman, Robin Williams, and Daniel Day-Lewis. The latter ultimately took home the Oscar for his role in My Left Foot.
But according to Stone, it wasn’t just Day-Lewis’ talent that sealed the deal; Harvey Weinstein and his company, Miramax, allegedly played a significant role in swaying the Academy’s decision.
Oliver Stone on How Weinstein ‘Robbed’ Tom Cruise’s Oscar Dreams
Tom Cruise is a name synonymous with box office success and heart-stopping action, no doubt. But there is one elusive accolade that has continued to evade him throughout his illustrious career: the coveted Academy Award for ‘Best Actor’.
His performance in Oliver Stone’s Born on the Fourth of July was nothing short of brilliant. Portraying the character of Ron Kovic, a young man whose dreams of serving his country are shattered when he is left paralyzed, Cruise delved deep into his character’s psyche, delivering a performance that was raw, emotional, and truly enchanting.
It was a portrayal that left audiences stunned and critics in awe, with many believing that Cruise must win the Best Actor award at the Oscars.
Stone, who won the ‘Best Director’ trophy for the film, was a staunch supporter of Cruise’s performance, insisting that nefarious machinations and intense lobbying may have cost the actor his shot at Oscar glory.
During his chat with The Independent, the filmmaker, 77, pointed fingers at Harvey Weinstein, claiming that Weinstein played politics and pulled strings behind the scenes to ensure Daniel Day-Lewis took home the trophy (for My Left Foot), leaving Cruise’s Oscar dreams shattered once again. To quote Stone:
I think he robbed Cruise of the Oscar, frankly.
It wasn’t just Cruise who felt the sting of Weinstein’s influence. Stone lamented that the intense lobbying for Day-Lewis in My Left Foot may have overshadowed Cruise’s incredible work in Born on the Fourth of July, robbing him of the recognition he rightfully deserved.
Oscar Win: Harvey Weinstein’s Strategic Push for Shakespeare in Love Over Saving Private Ryan
Miramax’s Shakespeare in Love is a prime example of Harvey Weinstein’s influence in Hollywood. The film’s surprising win over Steven Spielberg’s Saving Private Ryan for ‘Best Picture’ shocked the industry and left many in disbelief (via BBC).
The stage was set for Spielberg to make a jubilant return to the winner’s circle, with Saving Private Ryan being hailed as a masterpiece by critics. But when Shakespeare in Love was announced as the winner, the audience was left speechless and astonished.
And at the center of it was Weinstein, according to the BBC. As the controversy surrounding the win continued to simmer, it became clear that Weinstein’s influence in Hollywood was undeniable. Shakespeare in Love may have been the underdog, but with Weinstein pulling the strings, the film emerged victorious, leaving a lasting impact on the awards landscape forever.
For Tom Cruise, the Oscars continued to remain an elusive prize, with his stellar performances in films like Jerry Maguire and Magnolia failing to secure him that coveted golden statuette. Spielberg may have had his fair share of wins, but Cruise’s journey to Oscar glory has been a rocky one, with the elusive trophy slipping through his fingers time and time again.
As they say, the show must go on, and Cruise will continue to overwhelm audiences with his charm and charisma, regardless of what accolades he may or may not have in his trophy cabinet.
Born on the Fourth of July is streaming on Netflix, while Shakespeare in Love is available on Max. Also, Saving Private Ryan is streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
