Gary Oldman from 2000
Influential critic Roger Ebert 25 years ago said that Gary Oldman is “the best young British actor around,” and while Oldman has won several important acting recognitions, it’s only today that he is nominated for an Academy Award® with his performance in Tinker, Taylor, Soldier Spy.
Oldman tells Entertainment Heartbeat that with his Oscar ® nomination he is lavishing all the hoopla that the honor offers. “I’m deeply honored to be part of it and I’ve decided just to completely embrace it and having the time of my life; it’s a fairy tale, you can be either sort of overwhelmed by it or embrace it and run with it, so I’m thrilled, and having a ball.”
Although he has three decades on Oldman, this is also the first Oscar nomination for Max von Sydow despite 60 years of acting achievement . “You keep going until you stop,” Oldman says regarding seasoned actors offered parts and getting recognized. “…until you fall over.”
Gary Oldman in 2007
Oldman earlier remarked that he often chooses a part for the money, but today says that he was being glib and clarifies his position in light of his nomination with all the pyrotechnics. “The Oscars are better than the money,” he says in deadpan. “The villians are the one’s you do for money, they’re expensive.” Oldman continues with some life in his eyes “… they’re expensive; but they will be now.”
He delivers with a sideways smile as everyone within earshot is caught with a contagious laugh.