Quick Answer
Clue: “Two-time Best Actor nominee Nick”
Answer: NOLTE
Answer length: 5 letters
Clue number and direction: 1-Across
The New York Times crossword clue “Two-time Best Actor nominee Nick” is answered with NOLTE, which neatly fills a 5-letter across slot in the Mini.
Why NOLTE Is the Right NYT Answer
- The clue refers to Nick Nolte, who earned two Academy Award nominations for Best Actor, matching the “Two-time Best Actor nominee” detail exactly. Crossword answer databases and NYT Mini helper pages all list NOLTE as the 5-letter solution for this clue, including the January 23, 2026 Mini.
- Because the clue gives both the first name “Nick” and the awards fact, there is essentially only one viable surname that fits a N_O_TE pattern in five letters: NOLTE. Any crossings you have—N?LTE, NO?TE, NOLT?—will quickly steer you to this film-actor surname.
What NOLTE Means in Plain English
- In this context, NOLTE is simply the last name of American actor Nick Nolte. He is widely known for roles in films such as “The Prince of Tides” and “Affliction,” both of which earned him Best Actor nominations.
- Crosswords often use surnames like NOLTE as entries and clue them via notable achievements, such as Oscar nominations, award wins, or signature roles. So when you see a clue combining “Nick” with Best Actor nominations, it almost always points to this actor’s surname.
Solving Tips for Similar NYT Clues
- For any clue along the lines of “Nick with two Best Actor nominations” or “Actor Nick in ‘The Prince of Tides,’” think of NOLTE first for a 5-letter pattern.
- In a partially filled grid, look for patterns like N_LTE, NO_TE, or NOLT_ from crossings; once you have N-O-L, NOLTE becomes the only natural surname that fits.
- Crossings at 1-Across will usually come from downs with fairly straightforward definitions (in this Mini set, entries like GRAND, REMOW, APPLE, FLUTE, TYPEB support the across answers around NOLTE).
You can also expect NOLTE to recur in other puzzles because it is a convenient 5-letter name with friendly letters and strong trivia hooks.
