Philadelphia (1993)

Philadelphia is a masterful acting performance as well as a truly emotional story about right and wrong, and standing up for what is right, regardless of one's personal or political beliefs. The story follows outstanding lawyer Andrew Beckett's career, AIDS fight, and firing from a big Philadelphia law firm, as well as Beckett's lawsuit against his previous firm. With Jonathan Demme, fresh off a Best Director Oscar in 1991 for The Silence of the Lambs, directing, Denzel Washington, who had already won an Oscar in 1989 for Glory, portraying Beckett's lawyer grappling with his personal feelings about Beckett's sexual orientation, and Tom Hanks, who won the first of his back-to-back Best Actor Oscars, playing Beckett, the film brought together the best of acting and directing.

The film received five Academy Award nominations and three Golden Globe nominations, with Tom Hanks winning Best Actor in both categories for his original song "Streets of Philadelphia."

Trivia: Initially, Demme planned to cast a comedic actor in the role of Joe Miller, but he changed his mind after Washington showed an interest in the part.

Director: Jonathan Demme | Stars: Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, Roberta Maxwell, Buzz Kilman