In a recent interview with The Times, acclaimed actress Carey Mulligan shared her thoughts on the significance of awards in the film industry. Mulligan, who received an Oscar nomination for Best Actress for her role in Maestro, expressed her excitement and appreciation for the recognition. She debunked the notion that awards don't matter, stating that actors who claim so are simply lying.
Mulligan's performance in Maestro, where she stars alongside Bradley Cooper, garnered critical acclaim. It was interesting to learn that she had not auditioned for a role since 2014. In fact, she landed the part of Felicia Montealegre after a chance encounter with Cooper, who rushed her to the hospital when a stage curtain fell on her head during a solo Broadway show.
Reflecting on the incident, Mulligan shared the story of Cooper's intervention during an interview on The Graham Norton Show. She explained that after the curtain incident, she believed she was in serious trouble and started crying. Bradley, noticing something was amiss, insisted on taking her to the emergency room. Mulligan humorously added, 'You can imagine how delighted the nurse was!'
Moving on to other industry matters, Mulligan expressed her disappointment for Greta Gerwig's lack of recognition as a Best Director nominee for Barbie. She questioned what more a director can do to warrant a nomination, particularly when their film is both critically acclaimed and a global success.
Mulligan knows all too well what it feels like to experience a snub. At the 2023 BAFTA Awards, she was mistakenly announced as the winner for Best Supporting Actress. The actual recipient was Kerry Condon for her role in The Banshees of Inisherin. The mix-up occurred when the deaf actor and presenter Troy Kotsur signed the word 'Kerry,' which was interpreted as 'Carey,' causing confusion. Mulligan revealed that the audience responded with slow claps, clearly acknowledging that something went wrong. Even her close friend, Jamie Dornan, seated just two rows ahead, found the situation hilariously amusing.
Carey Mulligan's frankness regarding the importance of awards in the film industry sheds light on the subjective nature of recognition. While some actors may downplay their significance, Mulligan firmly believes that accolades hold value, especially when they come from one's peers. Her experiences in Maestro and the BAFTA mix-up highlight the highs and lows of an actor's journey, reaffirming the lasting influence and impact of recognition in their profession.
