The great Gary Sinise has one Oscar nomination, for 1994’s Forrest Gump. It doesn’t look like he will ever get another competitive nomination. But why can’t he receive a special award — namely, the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award? He does so much for the military and military families, an important cause. Sadly, it’s become such a politically polarized cause, I don’t think he ever will.

This article is part of a special year-long series of anecdotes, reflections and thoughts about the Academy Awards.