When I first saw Unforgiven, I was on a (bit of an awkward) date and was expecting a spaghetti western type film. Since I didn't get that, I didn't get the film. When I watched it years later, I got it, and have loved it ever since. That said, while Hackman is great in it, I never considered it a standout performance, and thought Nicholson should have won the Oscar.
Looking it up, I see Pacino was nominated for his supporting role of Ricky Roma. And while he shouldn't have won, if he did I wouldn't argue it too much. Which would have given him Oscars for both supporting and lead in the same year.