1996

Best Picture Nominees:

The English Patient *
Fargo
Jerry Maguire
Secrets & Lies
Shine

***

The English Patient - An epic film, that we do not see the likes of today (strange that it was less than 20 years ago) with an all-star cast.  I enjoyed the film, but it was not my favorite of the year.

Fargo - Another film that entered the lexicon of pop culture, particularly the North Dakotan accent, the wood chipper, and the quirky storytelling of the Coen Brothers.  Almost 20 years later, this became a successful TV "miniseries."

Jerry Maguire - Chameleon (not really) Tom Cruise as a sports agent.  Mostly memorable for the line "Show Me the Money!!"

Secrets & Lies - Just looking at the name I had forgotten what this film was about, but in re-reading the synopsis, I remember it was particularly creative, with the story of a black woman trying to find her origins and finding her mother was white.  This is a movie that could be cringe-worthy but had a lot of good performances and a nice story.

Shine - The biography of David Helfgott, a piano genius, who also had mental issues.  The Best Actor winner this year was Geoffrey Rush, heretofore unknown to me, but who I have enjoyed in many performances since.

***

My ranking of the Best Picture nominees:

1.  Shine
2.  The English Patient
3.  Secrets & Lies
4.  Fargo
5.  Jerry Maguire