In 1991, Jones received the ‘Academy Award’ and ‘British Academy Film Award’ nominations for his portrayal of Clay Shaw / Clay Bertrand in the American epic political thriller film ‘JFK’ directed by Oliver Stone. He continued to star in films like ‘The River Rat’ (1984), ‘The Park Is Mine’ (1986), ‘Black Moon Rising’ (1986), ‘The Big Town’ (1987), ‘Stormy Monday’ (1988), ‘The Package’ (1989), and ‘Fire Birds’ (1990). The following year, he appeared in the swashbuckling adventure film ‘Nate and Hayes’ where he played the role of ‘Bully Hayes.’ The film was panned by critics and was a commercial disaster. The critics lauded the performance of Jones in the film. He portrayed Gary Gilmore in the 1982 American made-for-television biographical crime drama film ‘The Executioner's Song’ directed by Lawrence Schiller. He next appeared in films like ‘The Betsy’ (1978), ‘Eyes of Laura Mars’ (1978), ‘Coal Miner's Daughter’ (1980), and ‘Back Roads’ (1981). The film garnered mostly positive reviews from critics and was a phenomenal commercial success. In 1977, he starred as ‘Corporal Johnny Vohden’ in the American drama thriller film ‘Rolling Thunder’ directed by John Flynn. Following his debut, he went on to appear in films like ‘Life Study’ (1973), ‘Eliza's Horoscope’ (1975), and ‘Jackson County Jail’ (1976). Tommy Lee Jones made his debut in the 1970 American romantic drama film ‘Love Story’ where he played the role of Hank Simpson.’ The film opened to positive reviews and was a massive box office hit, grossing over $173.4 million on a $2.2 million budget.