Peter O'Toole: I win even if I lose the Oscar
If you haven't read it yet, I recommend to you checking out Susan King's "lovely" chat with Peter O'Toole here at The Envelope — CLICK HERE. Most curious: at the end of it, Susan asks the seven-time loser if he'll have an acceptance speech ready in case he actually pulls off a victory this time.
"My expectations are low," he concedes. "It would be silly for me if I haven't learned from my experience [of losing] But it's fun, dear. It really is fun. I would be delighted to win. If not, I will be the record holder for the one who never won one."
Peter's suggestion that he triumphs in an odd way even if he loses again shows a fine appreciation for the nature of his biz — of telling stories about losers struggling with foiled quests to succeed. That's the essence of almost every film, every stage play he's starred in. If Peter fails again in real life to achieve the approval of his peers and ends up reigning for decades ahead as Oscar's biggest loser, the irony is rich. And he ends up winning anyway, because he'll hold a highly notable place in the Oscar history books.
(Photo: AP)
Mr. Peter O'Toole didn't win this year too.. Rene Zellweger, George Clooney, Julia Roberts,Nicole Kidman are all Oscar winners.. Alfred Hitchcock(6), Peter O'Toole (8),Albert Finney(5) are all only nominees.. whether the Oscars mean anything in showbiz or they are just as plastic and spastic of the people in showbiz..remains a question
Posted by: blue | February 25, 2007 at 11:02 PM
If Mr. O'Toole were to win this time, it sure would make good theatre right there live on stage. Oscar relishes such moments.
It would be nice to at least have him be a presenter so the audience could give him the attention he seems to love (and deserves).
Posted by: Pierre de Plume | February 10, 2007 at 11:40 PM
I just rented the PBS Masterpiece theatre version of "Casanova."
By God. He had it then, he has it now in "Venus."
God Speed, O'Toole. I truly to hope you take home this award.
But if you don't, NEXT TIME, baby, NEXT TIME.
Posted by: kf | February 09, 2007 at 11:37 PM
I think he'll be nominated in a couple years again. Then he'll win.
Posted by: sam coffey | February 09, 2007 at 08:29 PM
I must agree. To be nominated 8 times means that you've had a lifetime of really good roles. It shows consistency over one's life to being able to bring life to a character on the page and bring in a compelling performance. People like O'Toole, Streep and others who've passed the single shot mark will always be remembered. We're lucky to have movies to look back on. To win once and never be heard from again is a bit of a let down.
But I'm hoping he'll win!
Posted by: kf | February 09, 2007 at 05:39 PM
I think, ironically, O'Toole's statements could clear the final barrier to Forest Whitaker taking home the Oscar. Maybe voters who would be inclined to vote for O'Toole because he has never won a competitive Academy Award will be absolved of the guilt that wold be guiding their casting a vote for the acting legend ahead of Whitaker's universally acclaimed work in "The Last King of Scotland." And why do I have a feeling that if Whitaker does triumph, one of the first people to congratulate him will be O'Toole?
Posted by: Dave W. | February 09, 2007 at 02:28 PM
I agree with both of you. I sure hope he does pull of the upset, though!
Posted by: Steve | February 09, 2007 at 01:36 PM
Peter the Great! Win or Lose...
Posted by: Frankie R. | February 09, 2007 at 08:17 AM
I think it's better to be nominated 7 times and lose each time then to only be nominated once and win. Peter is definitely one of the best actors out there and that won't change even if he doesn't win this year. Some actors have a fluke year where they get lucky with a great role and have a great performance. But it's actors like Peter who consistently put out great performances who are the true great actors in the business. In these instances, the Oscar really doesn't mean anything.
Posted by: Anna | February 09, 2007 at 06:38 AM