“He was just as good as Hoffman”: Tom Cruise Skipping the Oscars Makes Complete Sense When the Academy Awarded Him the Worst Snub

SUMMARY

• Tom Cruise matched Dustin Hoffman’s Oscar-winning brilliance in Rain Man, yet the Academy shockingly snubbed his career-defining role.
• From Rain Man to Magnolia, the Academy repeatedly overlooked Cruise’s powerful performances, fueling his justified Oscars absence.
• Tom Cruise’s no-show at the Oscars, despite Top Gun: Maverick’s success, feels like a defiant response to years of snubs.

Tom Cruise skipping the Oscars felt like the ultimate mic drop. Back in the day, Cruise delivered a knockout performance that had critics buzzing and fans raving, comparing him to legends like Dustin Hoffman. But when it came time for the Academy to give credit where it was due, they completely fumbled the ball. 

Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise in Rain Man (1988) | Credits: Star Partners II, Ltd.

Cruise had every right to feel overlooked, and his absence from Hollywood’s biggest night makes perfect sense. After all, why show up for an industry that didn’t show up for him?

When the Academy overlooked Tom Cruise: A snub too big to ignore

Dustin Hoffman and Tom Cruise in Rain Man (1988) | Credits: Star Partners II, Ltd.

Tom Cruise gave a career-defining performance in Rain Man, effortlessly holding his own alongside Dustin Hoffman’s Oscar-winning turn. Although Hoffman’s portrayal of an autistic savant earned universal praise, it was Cruise’s role as the emotionally battered brother that infused a deeper feeling into the story. 

Yet, despite showcasing the raw frustration and love of a man grappling with an impossible family dynamic, Cruise didn’t even make the Best Actor shortlist. One fan put it best on Reddit: “He was just as good as Hoffman…”

But this wasn’t his only snub. A decade later, Cruise delivered another knockout in Magnolia, playing a magnetic yet broken self-help guru. That role earned him a Supporting Actor nod but no win. 

For an actor who’s consistently redefined Hollywood stardom, the Academy’s cold shoulder toward some of his best work feels almost personal.

Fast-forward to last Oscars. Cruise skipped the ceremony despite Top Gun: Maverick being up for six awards. Speculations ran wild: Was he filming Mission Impossible in Italy? Nope. He was spotted days later celebrating Sir Michael Caine’s 90th birthday. 

The Late Show with David Letterman | Credits: CBS Studios

David Letterman, never one to hold back, called his absence “nonsense” on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Kimmel, meanwhile, couldn’t resist a dig, quipping about Cruise’s “big jet pack Maverick show.”

Letterman and Kimmel weren’t wrong. Cruise’s no-show raised eyebrows, especially after Maverick grossed $1.49 billion and revitalized theaters. 

But maybe Cruise, stung by decades of Academy snubs, decided the Oscars didn’t deserve him. After all, skipping an event that has repeatedly overlooked you? That might just be his most “Oscar-worthy” move yet.

From Razzies to Oscars: Tom Cruise’s whirlwind 1988

Tom Cruise in Rain Man (1988) | Credits: Star Partners II, Ltd.

Tom Cruise pulled off a rare Hollywood feat in 1988, starring in both a Razzie and an Oscar-winning film. Cocktail snagged Worst Picture for its hollow love story and flashy gimmicks, while Rain Man walked away with Best Picture for its heartfelt portrayal of brotherly bonds. 

The films couldn’t be more different. Cocktail, riddled with studio interference, drowned its once-promising plot in shallow romance. Meanwhile, Rain Man thrived, with Cruise holding his own against Dustin Hoffman’s award-winning performance. Reflecting on Cocktail, Cruise admitted it “was not a crowning jewel.”

Curious? Both are streaming on Prime Video and Apple TV.

Rain Man is available to watch on Amazon Prime & Apple TV.

Written by Heena Singh

Articles Published: 693

Heena Singh is a writer at FandomWire, spent the last two years making waves in entertainment journalism. With a knack for digging up blockbuster celebrity scoops and an uncanny nose for the latest buzz, Heena’s articles bring a fresh and fun perspective to life. When she’s not conquering writing challenges, you’ll find her curled up in bed, peacefully sleeping.