Tom Hanks Withdraws Oscar Nominations and Leaves U.S.: ‘I’ve Had Enough’

Tom Hanks, America’s beloved “everyman,” has officially declared he’s had enough. In a move that has left Hollywood and the nation stunned, the Oscar-winning actor announced he’s dropping all his recent Academy Award nominations and leaving the United States, citing deep disillusionment following Donald Trump’s reelection.

“This isn’t the America I wanted,” Hanks stated in a teary-eyed Instagram video, sitting on what appeared to be a replica of the bench from Forrest Gump. “I’ve played heroes, explorers, and even captains, but I can’t captain this sinking ship anymore.”

Hanks was a frontrunner in this year’s Oscars race, with nominations for A Better Tomorrow, A Kind Nation, and The Last Good Man. Yet, in an unprecedented move, the actor personally requested that the Academy withdraw his nominations, calling the awards “meaningless in a country that has lost its way.”

The Academy, blindsided by Hanks’ decision, released a brief statement. “Tom Hanks has always been a pillar of integrity in the entertainment industry. While we regret his decision, we respect his stance

Hollywood insiders are calling Hanks’ departure the ultimate wake-up call. Long regarded as the moral compass of Tinseltown, Hanks’ exit underscores the growing unease many feel about the current state of American politics.

“If Tom Hanks doesn’t believe in America anymore, then what chance do the rest of us have?” tweeted actress Kerry Washington. “This is a national tragedy.”

Director Steven Spielberg, a longtime collaborator and close friend, called Hanks’ decision “heartbreaking but understandable.” “Tom is the soul of this industry and, in many ways, this country,” Spielberg said in a press release. “His absence will leave a void that cannot be filled.”