Samuel L. Jackson is one of Hollywood’s most iconic and versatile stars, with a career that spans decades and includes everything from cult classics and box office hits to major franchise blockbusters.
Yet, despite his immense popularity and critical acclaim, Jackson has received only one Oscar nomination before eventually being honored with an honorary Academy Award for his lifetime contributions to movies.
Still, the lack of traditional awards recognition doesn’t faze him, something he once again emphasized in a recent interview, boldly stating that he has never chased Oscar-bait roles or movies like many others do.
Samuel L. Jackson avoids chasing Oscar-bait roles and movies
Samuel L. Jackson has never minced words when criticizing the Academy Awards, previously claiming that he would never let an Oscar define his success or failure as an actor (Los Angeles Times).
And the 76-year-old actor once again reiterated his disregard for the Oscars, as he joined his friend and the host of the Mad Sad Bad podcast, Paloma Faith.
“I do movies that I want to go see. I do popcorn movies,” he said. “I don’t do movies that you know I’m going to get an Oscar for.”
Jackson further criticised the notion of “statue-chasing,” noting that actors often choose roles primarily to win an Oscar rather than for artistic or personal fulfillment.
But, I don’t, you know, pick a movie and go, ‘I’m going to win an Oscar if I do this.’ — People like that statue chasing all the time.
Though he acknowledged that he received an honorary Oscar, which is awarded for lifetime achievement rather than for a specific performance, he also emphasized that he never picks roles with the intent of winning one.
Samuel L. Jackson on art, joy, and choosing passion over prestige
Further in the conversation, Samuel L. Jackson opened up about his deep appreciation for the arts and how creativity has remained a guiding light in his life, especially in times of turmoil.
“Art makes me happy—and artistic expression makes me happy,” he said. His enthusiasm was especially evident when speaking about his wife, actress LaTanya Richardson Jackson, and her recent work on the stage play, Purpose.
“I’m really happy about my wife’s play, you know. It’s so good and she’s so good in it,” he continued, emphasizing that this same passion has guided his own career choices, whether starring in a massive Marvel hit or a cult classic like Snakes on a Plane.
He further added,
I’ve been fortunate to be in a lot of big old franchises, you know, things like Marvel and Star Wars and stuff like that, but, you know, I picked other wacky movies to do… things that make me happy, that I would have gone to the movie to see.
Despite his immense success, Jackson remains open to whatever the future holds creatively. When asked if there were any roles he still hoped to play, he responded with openness and humility.
He further emphasized that rather than chasing awards or prestige, he picks projects that he personally enjoys or would want to see himself in, describing it all as part of the artistic experience for himself, one not measured by statues or ceremonies, but by genuine self-expression and connection.
Samuel L. Jackson starring Marvel movies are currently streaming on Disney+
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