Samuel L. Jackson Dismisses Oscar Nominations, Says “It’s an Honor to Win” in Candid Interview

Samuel Jackson says Oscar nominations are overrated, prefers blockbuster roles like Nick Fury over "statue-chasing."

Samuel L. Jackson, while promoting his latest Netflix film “The Piano Teacher,” shared his candid thoughts about the Academy Awards in a recent interview with AP Entertainment. Despite an illustrious career spanning decades, Jackson has only received one Oscar nomination—for “Pulp Fiction” in 1995—and was awarded an honorary Oscar in 2021.

“We’ve been in the business long enough to know that when folks say, ‘It’s an honor to be nominated,’ no it ain’t. It’s an honor to win,” Jackson quipped. He added that nominations often fade from public memory, while wins carry lasting recognition.

Reflecting on his career, Jackson expressed his preference for blockbuster roles over Oscar-chasing performances, saying, “I was never going to let the Oscars be a measure of my success.” He emphasized his joy in playing characters like Nick Fury in Marvel films and Mace Windu in Star Wars, stating that his success lies in roles that entertain audiences and make iconic pop culture moments.

Jackson also highlighted how his work resonates with fans, saying, “People go to watch my movies to see how crazy I’m going to be or how many times I say motherf*****.”

His latest film, “The Piano Teacher,” now streaming on Netflix, marks another step in a career defined by memorable performances and cultural impact.