10. Tom Hanks Philadelphia
It feels strange to say this now, but there was once a time when all you would associate with Tom Hanks was comedies. That time was called the 80s, and Hanks was on a roll as a comedic presence, putting his efforts behind cult classic Turner and Hooch and of course, Big. Hilarious dogs and troubled aftermaths of man-boys put aside, this was basically it for Hanks he had a career, and that career revolved around making you laugh. But then suddenly, Philadelphia. The shock at Hanks when he came out (pun unintended) with this was nothing short of astounding here was a man whose very previous role had been the serviceable rom-com Sleepless in Seattle, and now here he was portraying an AIDS sufferer in a divisive Hollywood chin-stroker with normally taboo themes, the sort of piece the Academy goes nuts for. And go nuts they did, giving Hanks portrayal of Andrew Beckett the Best Actor gong. It was just bizarre, the equivalent of seeing a clown car win at the F1 impressive in itself, but impressively ridiculous to boot. Just watch the scene when hes talking about his favourite opera aria and try and marry that guy to the guy who was flouncing around in childrens underwear during Big. Its very difficult to do, and it adds a whole new dimension to that comedy when you watch it again and realise that a truly excellent actor is foot-playing that giant piano.