Photo: Mike Smith/NBC/Getty
Samuel L. Jacksonknows his worth.
Despite a career that spans decades and features countless blockbusters and acclaimed dramatic performances, Jackson, 73, has never won an Academy Award — something he feels he’s maybe owed.
He was nominated once for Best Supporting Actor for his performance as Jules Winnfield in 1994’sPulp Fiction. That year, the award went to Martin Landau forEd Wood. The other nominees were Chazz Palminteri (Bullets Over Broadway), Paul Scofield (Quiz Show) and Gary Sinise (Forrest Gump).
“I should have won that one,” he toldthe U.K.‘sThe Sunday Timesof hisPulp Fictionnod, also listing his performance in 1991’sJungle Feveras worthy of awards.
“I guess Black folk usually win for doing despicable s— onscreen. Like Denzel [Washington] for being a horrible cop inTraining Day. All the greatstuff he did in uplifting roles likeMalcolm X? No — we’ll give it tothismotherf—-r. So maybe I should have won one.”
“But,” the Marvel star added, “Oscars don’t move the comma on your check — it’s about getting asses in seats and I’ve done a good job of doing that.”
Samuel L. Jackson.Frazer Harrison/Getty
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Washington, 67, is actually themost-nominated Black actor in Oscar history. With this year’s recognition forThe Tragedy of Macbethin the Best Actor category, he now has 10 total nods, two of which he has won (for 2001’sTraining Dayand 1989’sGlory). He was also nominated forCry Freedom,Malcolm X,The Hurricane,Flight,Fences(also nominated for Best Picture, earning him recognition as a producer), andRoman J. Israel, Esq.
Jackson isset to receive an Honorary Oscarat the 12th Governors Awards. It’s awarded to celebrate extraordinary distinction in lifetime achievement, exceptional contributions to motion picture arts and sciences, or for outstanding service to the Academy.
Announcing the news last year, Academy President David Rubin said in a statement that Jackson “is a cultural icon whose dynamic work has resonated across genres and generations and audiences worldwide.”
source: people.com
