Ethan Hawke Lands Fifth Oscar Nomination for 'Blue Moon'
In a career marked by versatility and critical acclaim, Ethan Hawke has once again proven his mettle, earning his fifth Academy Award nomination for his role in the Sony Pictures Classics drama Blue Moon. This marks Hawke's first nomination in the Best Actor category, a testament to his transformative performance as Lorenz Hart, part of the legendary songwriting duo Rodgers & Hart.
'The Lowdown' Renewed for Season 2
During an exclusive interview with Deadline, Hawke shared insights into the forthcoming second season of his FX series The Lowdown. The series, a Western noir crime dramedy created by Sterlin Harjo, stars Hawke as Lee Raybon, a man who knows too much. Hawke expressed his enthusiasm for returning to the show, noting, "I love working with Sterlin, I love that show, and I can't wait to go back to that well." Production is set to resume right after the Oscars in March, with Hawke humorously admitting, "I’m going to have to leave the parties early. I can’t wait."
Creating a Unique Crime Novel Format
Hawke and Harjo are committed to making each season of The Lowdown feel like "its own little crime novel." This approach ensures that the series remains fresh and engaging for viewers, offering a narrative depth that is rarely seen in television today.
'The Weight' at Sundance
Alongside his television commitments, Hawke is set to appear in the Sundance film The Weight, directed by Padraic McKinley. Hawke revealed that the director was a friend he made while working on The Good Lord Bird, and together they had been dreaming of creating an old-fashioned action movie. Hawke said, "The character-driven action movie. The character I really wanted to play, in a world I really liked."
Tribute to Robert Redford
In a poignant reflection on the legacy of Sundance founder Robert Redford, Hawke plans to deliver a tribute at the festival. He described Redford as a "North Star" whose influence on the industry cannot be overstated. Hawke said, "To say he’s a North Star is to undermine the light that he shined. He was a person who was given a lot, and he gave back a lot, and it’s a model of leadership."
A Leader and Innovator
Hawke highlighted Redford’s multifaceted contributions, noting, "There’s his work as an actor and a filmmaker and all that," and "there’s just simply the accomplishment of starting such a meaningful film festival." Redford’s advocacy for environmental causes and diverse voices in cinema further solidified his status as a trailblazer.
Collaboration with Richard Linklater
While initial reports suggested that Hawke and Blue Moon filmmaker Richard Linklater would be celebrating Redford together, Hawke clarified that their tributes will be separate. "We thought we were, but I think I’m speaking at one Redford tribute and he’s speaking at a different Redford tribute," Hawke explained. "Because I’m coming out Friday night and he doesn’t get out there till Monday or Tuesday. I think he’s doing a talk about the Sundance Labs or something, and I’m doing a talk about [Redford], the man."
The Journey to 'Blue Moon'
Hawke’s performance in Blue Moon is the culmination of a 30-year friendship with the film’s cast and crew. He described the experience as something beyond a job, saying, "It was never a job. I feel like I’ve somehow cracked some unbreakable code by getting to make a movie with these people I’ve known for so long." The film, which also stars Andrew Scott, Margaret Qualley, and Bobby Cannavale, explores the complex relationship between Lorenz Hart and his partner Richard Rodgers.
Looking Ahead
As Hawke prepares for the Oscars and his trip to Sundance, his dedication to his craft remains unwavering. With a career spanning decades and a fifth Oscar nomination to his name, Hawke continues to inspire both audiences and fellow artists alike. His upcoming projects, including the return of The Lowdown and the Sundance premiere of The Weight, promise to further cement his legacy in the world of cinema.
