By the 2010s, Tom Hanks had cemented his status as an American cultural icon—a figure who was not just beloved but also trusted. He had become synonymous with a certain kind of decency, integrity, and everyman appeal that made audiences feel as though they knew him personally. This reputation was reinforced by his choice of roles, many of which portrayed real-life heroes and historical figures.
In 2007, he played Congressman Charlie Wilson in Charlie Wilson's War, a political drama about a Texas congressman who helped fund the Afghan resistance against the Soviet Union. His performance was witty and charismatic, earning him critical praise. In 2013, he portrayed Captain Richard Phillips in Captain Phillips, a thriller based on the true story of a merchant mariner who was taken hostage by Somali pirates. Hanks's performance was intense and gripping, particularly in the film's final moments, where his character experiences a delayed emotional breakdown—a scene widely considered one of the finest moments of his career. Later that same year, he played Walt Disney in Saving Mr. Banks, a behind-the-scenes drama about the making of Mary Poppins. Hanks captured Disney's charm and business acumen, bringing warmth to a complex figure.
In 2016, Hanks took on the role of Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger in Sully, directed by Clint Eastwood. The film told the story of the "Miracle on the Hudson," in which Sully successfully landed a disabled plane on the Hudson River, saving all 155 people on board. Hanks's portrayal was understated and deeply empathetic, capturing the quiet heroism of a man who performed an extraordinary feat under immense pressure. The film was a commercial success and reinforced Hanks's image as a modern-day hero.
He continued his collaboration with Steven Spielberg in the Cold War thriller Bridge of Spies (2015), in which he played James B. Donovan, a lawyer who negotiates a prisoner exchange with the Soviet Union. His performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. In 2017, he reunited with Spielberg for The Post, a drama about the Washington Post's decision to publish the Pentagon Papers. Hanks played editor Ben Bradlee opposite Meryl Streep's Katharine Graham, and the film was praised for its timely exploration of press freedom.
In 2013, Hanks made his Broadway debut in Nora Ephron's Lucky Guy, a play about the life of journalist Mike McAlary. His performance earned him a Tony Award nomination, demonstrating that even after decades in front of cameras, he could still command a live stage. His portrayal of beloved television personality Fred Rogers in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019) earned him his sixth Oscar nomination. Hanks brought a quiet, contemplative quality to the role, capturing Rogers's gentle wisdom and empathy. The same year, he reprised his role as Woody for the fourth and final Toy Story film, bringing a poignant conclusion to the character's journey.
In recognition of his immense contributions to American culture, Hanks received the Kennedy Center Honor in 2014 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016, the highest civilian honor in the United States. These awards affirmed his status as a national treasure, a figure whose work had not only entertained millions but also reflected the best of American values.