Samuel L Jackson reckons he should have won an Oscar for Pulp Fiction.
People all around the world will likely be able to recite some of the lines Jackson's character Jules Winnfield had in Quentin Tarantino’s epic movie (especially the 'Ezekiel 25:17' monologue).
He was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for that role in the 1995 Academy Awards, however he sadly didn't win.
The gong instead went to Martin Landau for his role in Ed Wood.
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Jackson has now told The Times that he should have walked away with the prize that night.
Despite the actor having a glittering career on the big and small screen, that was the only time he has ever been nominated for an Academy Award.
Fast forward nearly three decades since his first and only nomination, he's finally getting the recognition he deserves.
The 73-year-old will receive an Honorary Oscar this year at the 94th Academy Awards.
Although he is receiving a nod for his work in modern cinema, the Pulp Fiction star hit out against the Academy for only rewarding Black actors if they do ‘despicable s**t on screen’.
“Like Denzel [Washington] for being a horrible cop in Training Day,” Jackson said.
“All the great stuff he did in uplifting roles like Malcolm X? No – we’ll give it to this m**********r.
“But Oscars don’t move the comma on your cheque — it’s about getting asses in seats and I’ve done a good job of doing that.”
Jackson also said the Academy should be shining a light on films that draw in the most audiences.
“They should have an Oscar for the most popular movie. Because that’s what the business is about,” he said.
His comments come after Spiderman: No Way Home was snubbed for Best Picture despite racking up nearly $2 billion at the box office. It’s now the sixth-highest grossing film of all time.
“All movies are valid,” Jackson continued.
“Some go to the cinema to be moved dearly. Some like superheroes. If somebody has more butts on seats it just means your audience is not as broad.
"There are people who have had successful careers but nobody can recite one line of their parts. I’m the guy who says shit that’s on a T-shirt.”
Jackson will receive his Honorary Oscar at the 2022 Governors Awards on March 25, 2022.
Topics: Oscars, Samuel L Jackson, Quentin Tarantino, Racism, Academy Awards
Rachel Lang