Legendary actor Al Pacino has publicly praised John Goodman, calling him “one of our greatest actors”—an accolade that stands out, especially since John Goodman has never been nominated for an Academy Award. The focus on Goodman, highlighted by Pacino’s own words, brings renewed attention to a talent long respected within Hollywood circles but perhaps underappreciated by awards bodies.
Pacino’s Admiration for Goodman Stems From a Surprising Role
For over forty years, John Goodman has established himself as a highly dependable actor, delivering a wide range of memorable performances across various film genres. His dedication and skill have not gone unnoticed by his peers, with many actors openly expressing their admiration for his craft. Al Pacino, whose own stature in Hollywood is almost unrivaled thanks to career-defining roles in “The Godfather” saga, “Serpico,” and “Dog Day Afternoon,” singled out Goodman for particular praise after witnessing one standout film performance.
Despite Pacino’s glowing reputation, his comment carried extra weight because, unlike some of Goodman’s other admirers, Pacino is regarded as an authority on what makes a truly great film actor. Though Pacino’s own career has shifted in tone over recent decades, he remains a benchmark for on-screen excellence. For Pacino, Goodman’s performance in the 1992 sports drama about baseball legend Babe Ruth, directed by Arthur Hiller, seemed to be a defining moment.
The Unlikely Scene-Stealer: Goodman’s Role in “The Babe”
Arthur Hiller’s “The Babe” may not have received unanimous critical acclaim, but for Pacino, Goodman’s portrayal left a significant impression. The film itself is often cited as average, but Goodman’s commitment to his character stood out. Interestingly, Goodman himself was never satisfied with his own work in the film, expressing personal doubts.
“there’s a lot of things about my performance that bothered me,”
—John Goodman, Actor
Despite his reservations, Pacino was undeterred in his assessment. He openly declared Goodman to occupy a spot in his exclusive group of favorite actors, even above several Oscar-winning performers. This recognition was significant, considering Goodman’s lack of Oscar nominations compared to some of his contemporaries.
Pacino’s List of Must-See Performers
Al Pacino had previously revealed the four actors he most admired and would always watch in any project. On this list, John Goodman stood alongside Tom Hanks, Robert De Niro, and Ben Kingsley—outstanding talents, each celebrated with their own share of industry accolades, except for Goodman, whose major awards have mainly come from television work.
“I saw John Goodman in The Babe recently: he’s one of our greatest actors,”
—Al Pacino, Actor
“I like Tom Hanks: if he’s in a movie, I’ll go see it. Same with John Goodman. He and De Niro are great actors.”
—Al Pacino, Actor
For Pacino, the appeal of these actors lies in their consistent ability to deliver strong performances regardless of the role or production. Goodman’s inclusion on this list is notable, as he is the only one not yet decorated with Oscar recognition, yet his talent continues to draw high praise from his fellow professionals.
Impact of Pacino’s Endorsement and What It Means for Goodman’s Legacy
Mentioning names like Marlon Brando in the context of admiration, Pacino aligns Goodman with some of the most revered thespians in Hollywood’s history. While the wider community of performer viewers and critics has long acknowledged Goodman’s reliability and skill, Pacino’s public endorsement amplifies his status. The recognition, especially coming from an actor closely associated with cinematic excellence, may prompt further reevaluation from the very institutions that have overlooked Goodman in the past.
While Goodman might never have sought this particular accolade, hearing that Pacino—one of the godfather figures of American film—holds him in such high regard could be as meaningful as any industry trophy. As conversations about underappreciated talent in Hollywood continue, Pacino’s words could serve as motivation for others to look anew at Goodman’s lengthy and diverse body of performances.
