Philip Seymour Hoffman accepts the award for best actor

Philip Seymour Hoffman wins best actor Oscar

Updated Mon. Mar. 6 2006 12:17 AM ET

Associated Press

LOS ANGELES -- Philip Seymour Hoffman went from character actor to best actor Sunday night, winning the Oscar for his complex performance in "Capote."

In a year of strong male roles, Hoffman was the overwhelming favorite. His portrayal of Truman Capote during the years the author was researching and writing "In Cold Blood" has been universally hailed as a triumph of transformation. He already had won the Golden Globe, Independent Spirit and Screen Actors Guild awards, as well as top honors from critics groups across the country.

Hoffman was up against a tough field, including two other actors who gave evocative performances of iconic figures: Joaquin Phoenix as Johnny Cash in "Walk the Line" and David Strathairn as Edward R. Murrow in "Good Night, and Good Luck."

Also in the running were Heath Ledger as a cowboy tormented by his gay love affair in "Brokeback Mountain" and Terrence Howard as a pimp with dreams of rap stardom in "Hustle & Flow."

Take Hoffman out of the race and one of them could have taken home the trophy. But he captured the author's voice, carriage and mannerisms so completely, without ever lapsing into caricature, that he made you forget you were watching an actor playing a role.

"I'm in a category with some great, great actors. Fantastic actors. I'm overwhelmed," Hoffman said, visibly shaking, his voice trembling.

"My mom's name is Marilyn O'Connor. She's here's tonight," he added. "I'd like it if you see her tonight to congratulate her. She brought up four kids alone and she deserves congratulations for that."

The Academy Award comes after years of building a career on daring and often difficult supporting parts, including the porn-star hanger-on in "Boogie Nights," the scheming dandy in "The Talented Mr. Ripley" and the obscene phone caller in "Happiness."

He's proven he's equally adept at comedy, playing rock journalist Lester Bangs in "Almost Famous," a drag queen in "Flawless" and a former child star in "Along Came Polly."

Top Stories