1997 Academy Awards – Actor in a Leading Role Winner and Nominees

Shine

Geoffrey Rush

Pianist David Helfgott, driven by his father and teachers, has a breakdown. Years later he returns to the piano, to popular if not critical acclaim.

Jerry Maguire

Tom Cruise

Sling Blade

Billy Bob Thornton

The English Patient

Ralph Fiennes

The People vs. Larry Flynt

Woody Harrelson