The Best Supporting Actor Oscar in a 1996 film went to an actor named after a Caribbean island. Which actor, which film?

The Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for a film released in 1996 was awarded to Cuba Gooding Jr. for his energetic portrayal of Rod Tidwell in the hit movie "Jerry Maguire." Gooding Jr.'s performance as the charismatic and demanding football player was a standout, earning him critical acclaim and the coveted Oscar.

"Jerry Maguire," directed by Cameron Crowe, tells the story of a sports agent who has an epiphany and decides to operate with more integrity, losing most of his clients in the process. Rod Tidwell, an Arizona Cardinals wide receiver, becomes Jerry's sole client, and their evolving relationship forms the heart of the film. Gooding Jr.'s role was pivotal, bringing both humor and emotional depth, particularly with his insistence that Jerry "Show me the money!" – a line that became one of the most iconic movie quotes of the 1990s.

The film itself was a major success, both critically and commercially. It garnered five Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Tom Cruise, with Cuba Gooding Jr.'s win being its sole Oscar victory. The movie's enduring popularity is a testament to its engaging story, memorable characters, and the powerful performances, particularly Gooding Jr.'s, which perfectly captured the blend of ambition, loyalty, and heart.