BEST ACTOR
Tom Cruise
“Jerry Maguire”
One of cinema’s most popular stars scores his second best actor nomination as the sports agent who finds redemption. Cruise, 34, received the Golden Globe (for comedy/musical) and is a SAG nominee. He was also nominated for a best actor Oscar for 1989’s “Born on the Fourth of July.”
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Ralph Fiennes
“The English Patient”
The Golden Globe and SAG nominee garners his first best actor nomination for his role as the tormented Hungarian whose love affair with a married woman ends tragically. Fiennes, 34, was nominated for the 1993 supporting actor Oscar for “Schindler’s List.”
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Woody Harrelson
“The People vs. Larry Flynt”
Harrelson, 35, an Emmy winner as bartender Woody on the TV series “Cheers,” garners his first Oscar nomination for his role as the outrageous pornography publishing magnate. Harrelson is also a Golden Globe and SAG nominee.
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Geoffrey Rush
“Shine”
The Australian actor, 44, has reaped the majority of the critics’ awards, including the New York Film Critics Circle and the L.A. Film Critics, for his role as troubled pianist David Helfgott. Rush also won the Golden Globe (for drama) and is nominated for a SAG award. This is his first Oscar nomination.
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Billy Bob Thornton
“Sling Blade”
Thornton, 41, receives two nominations for his drama about a mentally retarded man who returns home after 25 years in an institution. He is a first-time contender for best actor and screenplay. Thornton, who also directed the drama, is a SAG and WGA nominee.
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