The role: Teenager Joel Goodsen

Nominated for: Golden Globe (Best Actor - Comedy/Musical)

Won: nothing

Thoughts: Cruise was floating along a different wave in "Risky Business," Paul Brickman's unique reflection of the 1980s fiscal zeitgeist. There's a naturalism here that isn't present throughout most of his filmography, one of few performances that comes off effortless. A show of effort rarely hurts him, but it's nice to know he has other faculties at his disposal.