Jules Winnfield is one of the major characters in Quentin Tarantino’s 1994 film Pulp Fiction. While it’s hard to say that any one character is the main character of the movie, if anyone holds that title, it’s probably him. It’s easy to argue that this might be the greatest role Samuel L. Jackson has ever played.

On paper, his role could have easily been overlooked—just another gangster working for high-level crime boss Marcellus Wallace, acting as his muscle and doing whatever needs to be done. But his performance elevates the character to something unforgettable.

His scene with Brett and his friends is one of the most iconic moments in film history.

He and Vincent Vega get into some crazy situations, but when they miraculously survive a close call while retrieving the briefcase, Jules takes it as a sign from God and announces his plan to retire for good.

This leads to another standout moment when he’s robbed at gunpoint in a restaurant, resulting in a tense and memorable interaction with the would-be robbers. It’s honestly shocking that Samuel L. Jackson didn’t win an Oscar for this role.