How did Don Ameche win an Oscar for Cocoon..??

I just watched this too, and thought the same thing, his character doesn't have a "moment". I thought Wilford Brimley was the standout in the cast.

The academy historically and to this day acknowledge older actors through a new film based not just on that performance but also on the body of their work.

A lovely gentleman in a lovely gentle film - you can't begrudge him his ultimate moment.
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This performance does not justify a win or even a nomination. Very shallow of the Academy. You could say the same about Wilfred Brimley, Hume Cronyn and Jack Gilford for their body of work. These other 3 gentlemen gave so much more in their performances, were more moving and had more depth to play, in the context of the films narrative. I have an edge for Brimley's performance.

This was a wasted nomination and the win for Ameche was even more absurd!!!

'I disagree. the academy historically and to this day acknowledge older actors through a new film based not just on that performance but also on the body of their work. After an illustrious career stretching back to Hollywood's hayday, the wonderful Don Ameche was enjoying a belated comeback revival thanks to films such as "Trading Places" and indeed especially "Cocoon" and was justifiably appreciated with his Oscar nod and win...plus he is actually really good in "Cocoon". A lovely gentleman in a lovely gentle film - you can't begrudge him his ultimate moment-
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Yes, you can begrudge him his ultimate moment.
It doesn't matter if he's a lovely gentleman in a lovely gentle film, or if it's a comeback. What does that have to do with the Oscars? You think it's ok to toss over an Oscar because you're charmed by an actor? People love saying that cliche "body of work".

He did not do the break dancing in the film. It was a stunt double and it was VERY obvious.
I remember at the time (1985) thinking that Ameche was the Hume Cronyn role as I got the actors confused. Cronyn had a much meatier role, and the way he dissed Tandy's character with his night out on the town, and the argument with Jack Gilford's character in the dining room; all of that was great stuff. Then, when I saw Ameche go up for the award I remember thinking, "That's not who I though it was!". But yeah, he really didn't have much to do here. Cronyn deserved it more and even Jack Gilford should have gotten it as he had that argument about not going to the pool at the car, the argument in the dining room, and then the heartbreaking scene where Rose dies. He definitely deserved an Oscar. But Ameche? Not even close. That was a "Here is an Oscar before you die" moment.

You can argue that the other actors made a more dramatic impression, but the problem with Cocoon is that it's such an ensemble film and it was a "Best Supporting Actor" nom, so Ameche fits that category more.
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I don't quite understand what you are attempting to convey here. Because Ameche wasn't as dramatic, that makes him more worthy of a supp. actor nom? What aspect of Ameche's performance, makes him fit this category more?

This was one strange nomination and even more absurd and bizarre win, like your comment.