Samuel L. Jackson wants to dispel the myth about the Oscars that it humbles creators who say they are honored simply by receiving a nod.
In a recent interview with news agency Promoting the Netflix version of August Wilson piano lesson, The MCU actor joked that he's been in the business long enough to keep the Oscars race and any potential hype or hype surrounding a project or role out of his work.
“People will say, 'Well, it's an honor to be nominated.'” “No, it's not,” Jackson said, drawing chuckles from co-star Michael Potts and the off-screen interviewer. “It's an honor wins“.
“You get nominated, and people will say, 'Yes, yes, I remember that,' or most people forget,” he continued.
Ironically, Jackson received an honorary Oscar from his old friend Denzel Washington at the 2022 Governors Awards. He was also nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his work in Quentin Tarantino's seminal film Pulp Fiction.
“In general, it's a competition that you didn't volunteer to participate in,” Jackson continued. “I didn't go there so I could bend over and say, 'Okay, wait a minute, let me do my scene here.' “Wait, let me just make sure you remember who I am. No, they nominated you and people ask: What movie did they get nominated for? What's the name of that thing? And after it's over, people have a hard time remembering who won.”
The multi-hyphenate has previously spoken about the complicated relationship he previously had with Hollywood's biggest night, telling Los Angeles Times In 2022, he has since moved on from using accolades as a measure of success.
“I would never allow the Oscars to be a measure of my success or failure as an actor,” he said at the time. “The measure of my success is my happiness: Am I satisfied with what I'm doing? I don't do statue-chasing movies, you know.” [whispers]“If you do this movie, you'll win an Oscar.” No thank you. I'd rather be Nick Fury. Or enjoy being Mace Windu with a lightsaber in my hand.
Piano lesson Adapted from Wilson's Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name as part of the Century Cycle – 10 entries covering a different decade of the black experience in the 20th century. Directed by Malcolm Washington, the film follows brothers Boy Willie (John David Washington) and Bernice (Daniel Deadwyler), who must make difficult decisions when they end up on opposing sides over the sale of an heirloom piano documenting their family heritage. In addition to this feature, the streamer edited Wilson's film Ma Rainey's black bottom.
As for Jackson, the veteran is booked and busy, with a roster that includes upcoming titles: honest liar, Mysterious film by JJ Abrams and The monsteris currently filming abroad.
