Forrest Gump is a 1994 drama film based on a 1986 novel by Winston Groom and the name of the title character of both. The film was a huge commercial success, earning USD$677 million worldwide during its theatrical run (the top grossing film in North America released that year). The film garnered a total of 13 Academy Award nominations, of which it won six, including Best Picture, Best Visual Effects, Best Director( Robert Zemeckis), and Best Actor( Tom Hanks). The film tells the story of a simple man and his epic journey through life, meeting historical figures, influencing popular culture and experiencing first-hand historic events while largely unaware of their significance, due to his lower than average intelligence.