Tom Hanks, America’s Everyman, triumphs in a breakthrough role as a lawyer fired for his HIV status in this based on real-life drama, directed by Jonathan Demme and co-starring Denzel Washington. Previously pigeonholed as a comedic actor, Hanks proved his dramatic mettle and won the first of his two consecutive best actor Oscars. Released at the height of the AIDS crisis, Philadelphia helped to raise awareness of the disease and build compassion for the afflicted. In his Oscar acceptance speech, Hanks thanked two gay men, his high-school teacher and a classmate, for giving him inspiration and encouragement, saying “I would not be standing here” if not for them. — Laura Emerick
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