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Most represented · 6+ films

More recurring directors · 3–5 films54

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Master Rank balances Greatness, Engagement, and Ease. Sort by Greatness for the artistic-canon view.

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View Tootsie film page

Poster artwork for Tootsie — Original poster artwork · Great Cinema Master List

Spoiler-free premise

Difficult actor Michael Dorsey disguises himself as Dorothy Michaels and wins a role on a daytime television soap.

Read expanded premiseLonger, still spoiler-free

Unemployed New York actor Michael Dorsey cannot get hired because of his controlling reputation. Disguised as actress Dorothy Michaels, he wins a hospital-soap role, becomes unexpectedly popular, and grows close to costar Julie Nichols while maintaining the deception.

Why it belongs

In Tootsie, Hoffman's Dorothy is both brilliant comic performance and a mechanism forcing Michael to confront how he treats women and work.

Read expanded why it belongsThe fuller editorial case

Audition rooms, quick costume changes, live television mistakes, apartment farce, and Dave Grusin's score keep the deception mechanically lively; Dustin Hoffman makes Dorothy more emotionally attentive than Michael knows how to be.

Major award record

Metadata only · zero points in 40/40/20

Academy Awards1 win1983 · official ceremony record ↗

Actress in a Supporting Role1983 · Jessica Langeofficial ceremony record ↗

Golden Globes3 wins1983 · official film record ↗

Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy1983 · Tootsieofficial film record ↗Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy1983 · Dustin Hoffmanofficial film record ↗Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in any Motion Picture1983 · Jessica Langeofficial film record ↗

BAFTA2 wins1984 · official BAFTA 1984 Film Awards results ↗

Best Actor1984 · Dustin Hoffmanofficial BAFTA 1984 Film Awards results ↗

Plus 1 additional win

Totals include every recorded competitive win. Only Picture or top-film honors, Direction, Screenplay, and lead or supporting performances are named.

Good for

FamilyFilm Club

Descriptive guidance derived from rating, genre, runtime, mood, and GCML scores.

Institutional reference ranks

Sight & Sound—IMDb Top 250—AFI 10069

Reference metadata only · not part of the 40/40/20 score

Great Cinema Master List scores

Greatness8.9

Engagement8.0

Ease7.6

English · PG
Narrative Feature
Mood: Funny & Lively