Ethan Hawke has garnered significant attention with his fifth Oscar nomination, this time for his portrayal of the iconic Broadway lyricist Lorenz Hart in Richard Linklater’s latest film, *Blue Moon*. In an interview with PEOPLE magazine, the actor discussed the daunting challenges that came with playing Hart, particularly the immense volume of dialogue required for the role.
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Reflecting on his experience filming *Blue Moon*, Hawke described the sheer scale of the text he had to memorise as “staggering.” He revealed that he had more lines on his first day of shooting than in the past decade combined. Despite the challenges, he expressed a sense of pride in his ability to tackle such a demanding script, saying, “It broke my brain,” while also acknowledging the satisfaction that came with mastering the material.
The film, written by Robert Kaplow, is set in a New York City bar during a single night in 1943, coinciding with the Broadway premiere of *Oklahoma!*. Hawke highlighted the unique format of the film, which unfolds in real-time, necessitating an immersive understanding of the entire script as if it were a stage play, despite the absence of a traditional six-week rehearsal schedule typically associated with theatre productions.
Hawke, 55, felt as though he was “fired from a cannon” when he began working on the film, indicating that the rapid pace of production was exhilarating yet intense. He noted that his long-standing collaboration with Linklater, which spans nearly three decades, has involved pushing each other creatively. Their partnership began in 1994 with the release of *Before Sunrise*, and Hawke mentioned that they have a tenth project in the works, which he described as “among the greatest films ever made.”
The Oscar nomination for Best Actor marks a notable achievement in Hawke’s career, being his first in this category, while also adding to his tally of five nominations overall. His history with the Academy Award includes recognition for his supporting role in 2001’s *Training Day*, along with nominations in both acting and screenwriting categories, a rare accomplishment in the industry.
On the morning the nominations were announced—January 22nd—Hawke recounted how he was fast asleep, having asked his wife, Ryan Shawhughes, to let him know only if he received a nomination. His surprise and gratitude upon waking up to the news were palpable, although he admitted a reflective sense of humility, considering fellow actors who delivered outstanding performances yet went unrecognised by the Academy.
In *Blue Moon*, Hawke shares the screen with talented actors Margaret Qualley, Bobby Cannavale, and Andrew Scott. Looking ahead, he has several upcoming projects, including *Tonight at Noon* and *The Weight*, as well as a second season of the FX drama *The Lowdown*, which has also garnered acclaim, earning him a nomination for the Film Independent Spirit Awards.
The Oscars ceremony, hosted by Conan O’Brien, is scheduled for March 15th and will be broadcast live at 7 p.m. ET on ABC and Hulu. Hawke’s nomination and the overarching narrative surrounding *Blue Moon* have already instigated excitement among fans and industry insiders, reflecting both his profound talent and the continuing legacy of the stories he chooses to tell.