In Contention's Top 10 Tom Cruise Performances

A salute to the actor on his 50th birthday

By Kristopher Tapley Tuesday, Jul 3, 2012 2:04 PM

1. "Magnolia" (1999)
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1. "Magnolia" (1999)

The role: Inspirational speaker Frank T.J. Mackey

Nominated for: Academy Award (Best Supporting Actor), Satellite Award (Best Supporting Actor, Drama), Screen Actors Guild Award (Best Supporting Actor)

Won: Blockbuster Entertainment Award (Favorite Supporting Actor - Drama), Chicago Film Critics Association Award (Best Supporting Actor), Golden Globe (Best Supporting Actor)

Thoughts: Somehow Michael Caine won his second Oscar in 1999 for a performance even he probably doesn't remember, from "The Cider House Rules." Tom Cruise, on the other hand, was absolutely killing it that year between Stanley Kubrick and Paul Thomas Anderson, and in the latter's "Magnolia," he hit some levels we've rarely seen out of the actor. Raw, driven and, as ever, committed, Cruise's performance in the film is his best to date.

Photo Credit: New Line Cinema