Philip Seymour Hoffman’s memorable roles

NEW YORK, USA – Oscar-winner Philip Seymour, who was found dead in his New York apartment on Sunday, February 2, was a celebrated “actor’s actor” both on screen and on stage.

Here are some of his most notable roles and awards.

“Capote” (2005, as Truman Capote)

Hoffman won a Best Actor Oscar for his mesmerizing performance playing the title role of author Truman Capote. The film was also nominated for Best Motion Picture, Best Supporting Actress, Best Achievement in Directing and Best Writing for Adapted Screenplay. He also won a Best Actor award at the Golden Globes, BAFTA Awards in Britain and Screen Actors Guild Awards among others.

“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” (2013, as Plutarch Heavensbee)

In one of his most recent roles, Hoffman was seen in the second installment of the blockbuster “Hunger Games” franchise. He had also been cast in two more installments of the series set for release in November 2014 and November 2015, respectively.

“Jack Goes Boating” (2010, in title role as Jack)

The drama-comedy marked Hoffman’s cinematic directorial debut, and he scored a Best Actor win from the Chlotrudis Awards for independent film. 

“The Master” (2012, as Lancaster Dodd)

Hoffman’s perfomance as a charistmatic cult leader opposite a troubled World War II veteran played by Joaquin Phoenix landed him his fourth Oscar nomination.

“The Ides of March” (2011, as Paul Zara)

Hoffman’s performance as senior Democratic presidential campaign manager Paul Zara earned him a Best Supporting Actor nomination at Britain’s BAFTA Awards. The film was nominated for Best Writing at the Oscars and got four Golden Globes nods.

“Doubt” (2008, as Father Brendan Flynn)

Hoffman starred alongside Meryl Streep in an Oscar-nominated role as an anguished Catholic priest suspected of molesting a teenage boy, earning an Oscar nod for Best Supporting Actor. Based on John Patrick Shanley’s successful stage play, the film is celebrated for scenes in which Hoffman’s character wages verbal warfare with his accuser, Streep’s Sister Aloysius.

“Synecdoche, New York” (2008, in lead role as Caden Cotard)

In this critically acclaimed film, Hoffman stars as a struggling theater director who mounts an ambitious production: a life-sized replica of New York City inside a warehouse.

“Charlie Wilson’s War” (2007, as Gust Avrakotos)

Hoffman is compelling in his Oscar-nominated role as a foul-mouthed CIA agent. The film was also nominated five times at the Golden Globes, including one nod for Hoffman.

“Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead” (2007, in lead role as Andy)

In an unlikable turn, Hoffman plays a character who organizes with his brother the robbery of their parents’ jewelry store. But the job goes horribly wrong.

“Magnolia” (1999, as Phil Pharma)

Hoffman plays a nurse who finds a dying show producer’s estranged son in the film, nominated three times for an Academy Award.

“The Talented Mr Ripley” (1999, as Freddie Miles)

Although cast alongside A-list favorites Matt Damon, Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow, Hoffman steals the show in a supporting role as the duplicitous preppie Freddie Miles.

“The Big Lebowski” (1998, as Brandt)

In a rare comedy appearance, Hoffman plays mediator between an unemployed Los Angeles slacker and a millionaire of the same name for whom he is mistaken.

“Boogie Nights” (1997, as Scotty J)

In his breakout performance, Hoffman plays an insecure gay boom operator who has a crush on a porn star, played by Mark Wahlberg.

Theater performances

Hoffman received three Tony Award nominations for his theater work, and was celebrated both as an actor and a director.

His Tony nominations were for Best Leading Actor in “True West (2000) and 2012’s “Death of a Salesman,” and for Best Featured Actor in “Long Day’s Journey into Night” (2003).

His director credits include “In Arabia We’d All Be Kings,” a 1999 production during which he reportedly to have met his longtime partner, costume designer Mimi O’Donnell.

He also directed “Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train” in 2001 and “Our Lady of 121st Street” in 2003. Both productions earned him Drama Desk Award nominations for Outstanding Director of a Play. – Rappler.com

Philip Seymour Hoffman photo from Shutterstock