Samuel L. Jackson asserts that merely receiving an Oscar nomination pales in comparison to the true achievement of winning. He believes that the ultimate accolade lies in outperforming all other contenders in the competitive film industry.

During the Oscar ceremony when Martin Landau was announced as the winner of the Best Supporting Actor for Ed Wood, Samuel L. Jackson’s reaction was telling. He was caught on camera, visibly expressing his displeasure in a way that was hardly suitable for broadcast television. This moment highlighted the intense competition and emotional weight actors feel during awards seasons. Winning an Academy Award represents the pinnacle of achievement in acting, overshadowing the mere act of being nominated, which Jackson seemingly views as an insufficient accolade.

With passionate conviction, Samuel L. Jackson challenged the notion that being nominated for an Oscar is an award in its own right. He stated, “We’ve been in the business long enough to know that, you know, the folks who go, ‘Well, it’s just an honor to be nominated.’ No it ain’t – it’s an honor to win!” Jackson further elaborated that while nominations may get some recognition, they often fade from public memory, as he stated, “You know, you get nominated, folks go, ‘Yeah, yeah, I remember that. Most people forget, you know. Generally, it’s a contest you didn’t volunteer to be in.” His words reflect a deep-seated belief that the victory is what truly solidifies an actor’s legacy.

It might be challenging to recall that Landau won for his portrayal of Bela Lugosi in Ed Wood, particularly when considering Samuel L. Jackson’s iconic role as Jules in Pulp Fiction, which many argue is one of the most unforgettable performances of that award season. Even if you struggle to remember who won, it’s easy to identify numerous performances that merited recognition. Surprisingly, Jackson has only received one nomination throughout his illustrious career, despite the fact that he has been a significant figure in cinema. The lack of a nomination for his role in Jungle Fever is often regarded as one of the most significant oversights in Oscar history, especially notable since Cannes even created a Best Supporting Actor category specifically to honor him that year, a category that has not been reinstated since!

Which of Samuel L. Jackson’s performances do you believe should have garnered Oscar recognition? We invite you to share your thoughts and favorite moments with us in the comments below!