Most of Andrew Garfield's fans today know him for his brief but unforgettable turn as the Spider-Man. But the British actor was not always the A-list movie star we know today. He began his career on the stage in 2004, starring in productions like Kes at Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre. After years of small British TV roles to a few big-budget films along the way, Hollywood finally decided to hand a musical script to someone who truly understood the language and nuance of theater- and that is where Andrew Garfield’s Tick, Tick... Boom! came in. 

Here is everything to know about the Netflix musical starring Andrew Garfield and why its Oscar snub had everyone shaking their heads. 

Tick, Tick… Boom! was a semi-autobiographical story about composer and playwright Jonathan Larson, the creator of the groundbreaking musical Rent. Before the film, while it was clear that Andrew Garfield was much more than just his high-profile Marvel role, as evidenced by his first Oscar-nominated performance in Hacksaw Ridge, no one knew he could also sing and dance. Taking on the role of the real-life theater prodigy, who tragically passed away the night before his game-changing musical, Garfield shocked everyone with his performance. 

From capturing Jonathan Larson’s unique mannerisms to portraying the anguish of an artist on the edge of madness, Garfield shone in the role. Not only did he secure his second Academy Award nomination for this Netflix film, but he also had fans blown away by his raw talent- not just on stage, but also off it. However, the competition was fierce at the 94th Academy Awards- with contenders like Will Smith. 

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In the heated race, as Will Smith took home the Oscar that night, fans were divided into debating why Garfield deserved the honor more. 

In 2022, on the same night Andrew Garfield was vying for Best Actor at the Oscars, Will Smith won the Oscar for his acclaimed performance in King Richard. However, many fans argued that, compared to the raw emotion and vulnerability Smith displayed in The Pursuit of Happyness or his own proudest work to date in Ali, his role in King Richard felt somewhat underwhelming next to the competition in that category.

It was suggested that Smith’s previous nominations put him in the lead for the award, as he had been a frequent contender at the Oscars without any past victories. While it was a shame that Smith tainted his night with the biggest controversy of his career, other contenders, particularly Andrew Garfield, won hearts with what many considered his most committed performance in his nearly two-decade-long career.

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