I agree about the Shirley MacLaine, Liam Neeson, and Sally Field scenes mentioned. Also on my list:
Mary Stuart Masterson when Ruth dies in Fried Green Tomatoes. She and the director talked about the basic way they wanted to approach the scene - with Idgie over at the window telling the story, her back to Ruth (and the camera) until she's done - but the rest was up to her, and she nailed it.
Katharine Hepburn tearing up in Woman of the Year as Tess watches her father at long last marry the woman who is like a mother to her (while her own marriage is falling apart).
Heather Donahue in The Blair Witch Project. I know it was much parodied, but I love the snot running down her face as she records her apologies to their families - she has realized they're going to die out there, and thinks it's her fault. It's ugly, and that's how it should be.
Toni Collette in The Sixth Sense, when she realizes her kid can communicate with her dead mother and wants him to ask if she's proud of her.
Meryl Streep in Sophie's Choice, as the daughter is taken away. Silent crying at its best.
Susan Sarandon is a great crier in anything. So is Gillian Anderson.
Child actors are usually bad at crying scenes, but Mae Whitman in Hope Floats when she realizes her dad doesn't want her and Anna Chlumsky in My Girl when she sees Thomas J. in the casket are brilliant exceptions.
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