Best Actor 1988: Results

5. Dustin Hoffman in Rain Man- Hoffman is consistent of his portrayal of an autistic savant, it is not anything all that good but it does technically work in context of the film.

4. Tom Hanks in Big- Hanks gives a good enough romantic and comedic performance. He is charming enough, and some of his man boy behavior is quite well handled, although not all of it.

3. Edward James Olmos in Stand and Deliver- Olmos gives a persistent, passionate enough performance as the inspirational teacher. It is not anything special, but it is as the part should be.

2. Max von Sydow in Pelle the Conqueror- Sydow is regulated much of the time to the background in this film. When he does show up he gives a realistic performance, that has some nice moments, but again like the rest of the nominees below him it never becomes anything that special.

1. Gene Hackman in Mississippi Burning- Hackman gives the best performance of this lineup, which frankly did not take a lot to do. His performance is good on its own. It has an effective visceral power, and does properly establish his character. He also has just some great individual moments that really stand out, the type of moments sorely lacking from the rest of the nominees.

Deserving Performances:
Jeremy Irons in Dead Ringers
Bob Hoskins in Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Bill Murray in Scrooged