Maestro actress Carey Mulligan has recently shattered one of Hollywood’s most ingrained taboos surrounding Awards season – publicly acknowledging that these accolades truly matter. Having received her third Oscar nomination this year for her remarkable portrayal of Leonard Bernstein’s wife Felicia Montealegre in the Netflix biopic Maestro, Mulligan shared her genuine excitement at being recognized by her peers. In an interview with The Times of London, she confessed, “(It) is just the coolest thing. Because it’s from your peers. It’s wicked. And of all the actors who say that awards don’t matter and that it’s the work that counts? They are 100 per cent lying.”
Not only did Mulligan boldly defend the significance of awards, but she also added her voice to the chorus of discontent over the Best Director category snub of Greta Gerwig. Gerwig’s highly acclaimed box office hit, Barbie, failed to secure a nomination, leaving many in disbelief. Mulligan expressed her disappointment for Gerwig, stating, “I’m gutted for Greta because I don’t know what else you can do as a director to get nominated. You make a critically acclaimed film that’s also an incredible global success, and yet you don’t get nominated?”
Both Mulligan and her co-star, Bradley Cooper, received nominations for their roles in Maestro, a compelling film that delves into the complexities of Leonard Bernstein’s marriage and the hurdles faced by the couple. While the film itself is recognized with a Best Picture nomination, Cooper was overlooked in the Best Director category. This glaring omission highlights the often-criticized disconnect between a film’s overall recognition and the lack of acknowledgment for its director.
Awards Night Fiascos and Mistaken Identities
Mulligan’s journey through awards season has not been without its share of memorable moments. Last year’s BAFTA Awards, in particular, stand out in her mind. During the ceremony, she was mistakenly announced as the winner of the Best Actress award for her role in the powerful #MeToo drama, She Said. However, it was actually Kerry Condon who deserved the honor for her performance in The Banshees of Inisherin. The mix-up, reminiscent of the La La Land/Moonlight Oscars debacle in 2017, was quickly rectified, though not broadcasted. Mulligan vividly recalls the awkwardness of the moment, frozen between standing and sitting, while her friend, Jamie Dornan, burst into hysterical laughter nearby.
As this year’s Academy Awards approach on March 10, Mulligan is prepared for whatever outcome awaits her. Whether she emerges victorious or faces defeat, she is undoubtedly hoping for a smoother evening than the previous year’s ceremony. Mulligan’s honest acknowledgment of the importance of awards adds a refreshing perspective to Hollywood’s often guarded stance towards recognition and celebrates the tireless efforts of filmmakers and actors in the pursuit of excellence.
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