Will Smith: Bye-bye, Oscar?
I wonder if any executives at Warner Bros. had a heart attack while watching "60 Minutes" last Sunday.
Over the past month studio chiefs decided to spend lots of money on something that seems far-fetched on the face of things: a best-actor campaign for a role in a sci-fi flick full of zombies. But they believe so strongly in the, ahem, craftsmanship of Will Smith's performance that they talked themselves into investing in something that the academy rarely buys into.
But, hey, Smith has been nominated for best actor twice ("Ali," "The Pursuit of Happyness"). Long ago the academy nullified some nominations belonging to Charlie Chaplin. Hmmmm. Do you think they'll be tempted to pull that ploy with Smith considering what he told CBS viewers on Sunday night?
"I've never viewed myself as particularly talented," he confessed. "Where I excel is with a ridiculous, sickening work ethic. While the other guy's sleeping, I'm working. While the other guy's eating, I'm working. While the other guy's making love, I mean, I'm making love, too, but I'm working really hard at it!"
I don't understand why Will's comment is such a big deal. He told the truth. He admitted himself what most of Hollywood has known all along, but was afraid to say out loud.
I commend him for knowing himself and his weaknesses and knowing how to overcome. How many more "not particularly talented" actors and actresses are there in Hollywood getting by on their good looks and charm? They could learn a big lesson from Mr. Smith. He has overcome with hard work and a winning attitude and has the box office success to prove it! Oscar or no Oscar!!!
Posted by: Nicole | December 10, 2007 at 10:43 AM
Yet another stupid media story that never needed to be. An actor has to have a work ethic that many people can't fathom, and Will is one of those people who think his result is simply from just that. Clearly not, because if that were the case, we'd have a ton of great movies and actors worth watching, and the pool isn't that big. Will was being modest. Let's leave it at that. Didn't Tom Hanks modestly make similar remarks each and every time he played his various Oscar winning roles? Ok go and watch the movie and tell me they needed someone without the impeccable work ethic this man embodies.
Posted by: Dibby | December 06, 2007 at 06:28 AM
Sounds like he's just being modest.
Posted by: Jeff | December 04, 2007 at 01:05 PM
Why would this ever effect his Oscar chances for any movie? Did see the fact that he said he works really hard for it? Thats what actors do they work really hard for it and most of them dont just have it like it was gift from God they have to work for it. And I think it was just one of those stock answers actors give out to show that they are just like everybody else. You are making a big deal out of something that really will not effect his chances this year (mostly because he doesnt have one) or any year but im sure whenever he is snubbed this will be your reasoning for it.
Posted by: Brad | December 04, 2007 at 11:13 AM