Best Actor

ROBERTO BENIGNI

“Life Is Beautiful”

Italy’s comedic superstar, 45, garners his first best actor nomination in this comedy-drama about an Italian Jew who tries to shield his young son from the horrors of the Holocaust. Benigni is also nominated for a SAG Award. Benigni is also nominated for best director and screenplay.

TOM HANKS

“Saving Private Ryan”

The popular star picks up his fourth best actor nomination for his portrayal of an earnest squad leader in Steven Spielberg’s harrowing World War II drama. A Golden Globe and SAG nominee for “Ryan,” Hanks, 42, won back-to-back best actor Oscars for 1993’s “Philadelphia” and 1994’s “Forrest Gump.”

IAN McKELLEN

“Gods and Monsters”

The knighted British actor and gay activist, 59, receives his first Oscar nod for his moving portrait of gay director James Whale. McKellen, who is primarily known for his theater work, won the Los Angeles Film Critics Assn. honor for best actor and was nominated for a Golden Globe and SAG Award.

NICK NOLTE

“Affliction”

The powerful performer, 59, garners his second best actor nomination as a troubled, angry sheriff in Paul Schrader’s dark drama. Nolte also won the New York Film Critics Circle and National Society of Film Critics honors for his role and was nominated for a Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award. He received an Oscar nomination for 1991’s “The Prince of Tides.”

EDWARD NORTON

“American History X”

The dark horse candidate receives his first best actor nomination for his performance as a neo-Nazi skinhead in the controversial drama. Norton, 29, received a best supporting nomination as a murderer in 1996’s “Primal Fear.” He’s also appeared in “The People vs. Larry Flynt,” “Everyone Says I Love You” and “Rounders.”