With his breakthrough role in The Graduate, Dustin Hoffman became an instant success, proving that leading men didn’t have to fit the mould. Today, The Graduate remains a compelling film worthy of rediscovery, and its position in Hoffman’s career is equally notable. Instead of accepting similar roles, his next performance as Rizzo in Midnight Cowboy confirmed him as a dynamic and versatile actor who refused to be pigeonholed. During this period he worked with some of the greatest English-language directors of the time, hence why all of the films in our two-part season are classics in their own right. As Hoffman approaches his 80th birthday, we celebrate his career and recognise a true, collaborative acting talent.