"If I won..." - Michael Shannon Reveals The Apocalyptic Consequences Of An Oscar Win, Reminiscing Past Experiences And Lessons Learnt

Published 03/24/2025, 11:26 PM EDT

The Hollywood showbiz industry continues to be one of the most predictable yet unpredictable entities of entertainment to even some of its oldest players. Michael Shannon, veteran and resident, seasoned and go-to villain of the institution, seems to be one of the textbook victims of this arbitrary protocol. Yet, there seems to be an air of nonchalance that he carries, even regarding his two-time Oscar nomination.

The lack of an Oscar may not sabotage a career, but acquiring one does make it, or so think Michael Shannon.

Michael Shannon on the 'villainous' consequences of an Oscar bag

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Michael Shannon, a celebrated actor known for his intense performances in films like Revolutionary Road and Man of Steel, is often the one standing behind the curtains, albeit the first row, with the champagne glass probably the only longstanding thing that his hands warm through the night. Such has been the outcome of his two-timed nominations at the Academy Awards, where the actor’s only concern seems to be what he might say in the odd case of his win someday. "If i actually won the award, it would be the end of days...it would be a cataclysmic event ", he recalled the expectations of those around him regarding his winning, which he revealed to Josh Horowitz on the Happy Sad Confused Podcast.

The actor admitted to resorting to substituting the awards night with an activity that would knock him out of his senses for a good part of the time, making it slightly inconvenient for him to go on stage to deliver his speech in case of winning. Explaining the very in-character dedications that he would perform, from crediting the undead to an apocalypse that he whipped up on the scene. The actor, however, revealed to often being made aware of his losses beforehand by the Academy. "Hollywood's predictable" he expressed,  justifying himself taking a back seat to instead enjoy the night as if it were a regular party. 

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Despite the lack of an Oscar, Michael Shannon has cemented his name as the go-to face of Hollywood's most feared villains. With an unmatchable drawl to his words that has seeped its way into his actual manner of speaking, the actor seems to be using his prowess in a different segment of the industry altogether, as of late.

Michael Shannon's latest endeavors

While an Oscar remains a persistent question mark in his career, Michael Shannon seems to have put his foot down, declaring it an unimportant criterion to his own authenticity in the show-business. Having garnered critical acclaim for his performances across film, television and theatre, Shannon has recently made his directorial debut through Eric Larue. A significant milestone in his career showcasing his talent not just in the face of a camera, but also behind it. Eric Larue, starring Judy Greer and Alexander Skarsgård, delves into the aftermath of a school violence, exploring themes of grief, community, and the search for understanding.

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His recent directorial debut with Eric Larue marks a significant evolution in his career, showcasing not just his versatility beyond acting but also his dedication to the art of cinema. As he navigates this new chapter, Shannon's unique perspective and dedication to meaningful storytelling continue to resonate, proving that true artistry transcends accolades.

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What do you think of Michael Shannon's laid-back stance about the Academy Awards? Let us know in the comments below.

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Adiba Nizami

168 articles

Adiba is driven by anything creative, give her a word and she’ll turn it into a story. Give her a pencil, she’ll turn it into a world. Fresh out of the lot, she has harbored a steady love for writing, honing it into an indispensable skill that she is now more than ready to put to use here at NetflixJunkie.

Edited By: Aliza Siddiqui

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