was Pacino's Oscar win a make up for...

Just a make-up for not having an Oscar, period. Even by 1992, he was already known as one of the greatest actors of all-time. For him to go winless at the Oscars would have lowered the Academy's credibility, and they didn't know if he would ever make another Oscar-worthy film after this one. So they gave him this win as a sort of life-time achievement award.

"Scent of a Woman" is not Pacino's best performance, nor was it the best male acting performance in 1992.

If Pacino had to win an Oscar, with hindsight 20-20, he should've won for Godfather. That movie was vintage Pacino.

It was like a lifetime achievement-way overdue kinda thing... he should have multiple awards.

Many people consider Pacino to be the best actor of all time.

No, it was because this was a fucking incredible performance.