Hollywood legend Samuel L. Jackson isn’t holding back when it comes to his views on Oscar nominations. While promoting his Netflix film The Piano Teacher, Jackson revealed in an interview with AP Entertainment that he doesn’t put much stock in nominations alone.
“We’ve been in the business long enough to know that when folks say, ‘It’s just an honor to be nominated,’ that’s not true,” Jackson said with a laugh. “It’s an honor to win.”
Despite a career spanning decades and countless iconic roles, Jackson has only been nominated for an Oscar once—Best Supporting Actor for Pulp Fiction in 1995. He did receive an honorary Academy Award in 2021, but he admits the whole process of awards recognition feels fleeting.
“They nominate you and people say, ‘What movie was that again?’ Or worse, they don’t even remember who won,” he quipped. “It’s like a contest you didn’t even sign up for.”
Jackson’s refreshingly blunt take on the Oscars shows he’s more focused on delivering memorable performances than chasing accolades. After all, his legendary status in Hollywood speaks for itself.
