 A turning point in Hoffman 's career came with the biographical film Capote ( 2005 ) , which dramatized Truman Capote 's experience of writing his true crime novel In Cold Blood ( 1966 ) . Hoffman took the title role , in a project that he co @-@ produced and helped come to fruition . Portraying the idiosyncratic writer proved highly demanding , requiring significant weight loss and four months of research – such as watching video clips of Capote to help him affect the author 's effeminate voice and mannerisms . Hoffman stated that he was not concerned with perfectly imitating Capote 's speech , but did feel a great duty to " express the vitality and the nuances " of the writer . During filming , he stayed in character constantly so as not to lose the voice and posture : " Otherwise " , he explained , " I would give my body a chance to bail on me . " Capote was released to great acclaim , particularly regarding Hoffman 's performance . Many critics commented that the role was designed to win awards , and indeed Hoffman received an Oscar , Golden Globe , Screen Actors Guild Award , BAFTA , and various other critics ' awards . In 2006 , Premiere magazine listed his role in Capote as the 35th greatest movie performance of all time . After the film , several commentators began to describe Hoffman as one of the finest , most ambitious actors of his generation . 
