Nine Years After Casey Affleck’s First Oscar Win, He Calls the Whole Experience ‘Mildly Traumatic’

Actor Casey Affleck, famous for his acclaimed role in “Manchester by the Sea,” is reflecting on his Oscar win at the 89th Academy Awards, which took place in February 2017. The ceremony was held in Los Angeles, where Affleck was awarded the Best Actor Oscar for his performance in the film directed by Kenneth Lonergan.

In a recent discussion at the Zurich Film Festival, Affleck, now 51, candidly shared his emotions surrounding the moment he received his Oscar. He described the experience as “mildly traumatic,” largely because he was not anticipating victory that evening. “I was expecting Denzel Washington to win,” he recalled. Standing on stage at the ceremony, he felt overwhelmed, unable to remember the majority of his speech. Despite the lapses, he regretted not expressing gratitude to key figures who supported his work, including Lonergan and his children.

Reflecting on the aftermath of his win, Affleck narrated a memorable encounter with fellow actor Leonardo DiCaprio. After leaving the stage, Affleck spotted DiCaprio backstage, who greeted him with laughter and a warm hug. “I was still stuck in a moment of terror and disorientation,” Affleck recalled, appreciating the unexpected comfort from his colleague that helped ease his nerves.

Affleck’s victory was not without its controversies, most notably resurfacing allegations of sexual harassment from past incidents. In 2010, the actor faced lawsuits from two former female colleagues, which were settled out of court without any admission of guilt. The legal resolutions included confidentiality agreements, and Affleck chose to withdraw from presenting an award at the following year’s Oscars to allow focus to remain on other nominees and winners.

The conversation around Affleck’s win was complicated by these allegations, leading to a significant amount of media scrutiny. Nonetheless, he managed to secure the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Drama Motion Picture in conjunction with his Oscar win, further solidifying the high regard in which his performance was held.

Currently, Affleck is promoting a new film titled “Company,” which he directed and co-wrote. The project features a personal touch, starring not only his sons, Indiana and Atticus, but also his late mother, Christopher Anne “Chris” Affleck, as well as his partner, Caylee Cowan. During the panel at the Zurich Film Festival, he joked about his sons’ initial reluctance to act in the film. Atticus ultimately agreed to participate, motivated partly by his spring break availability.

In discussing the film’s familial aspect, Affleck expressed a strong desire to collaborate with loved ones. “I would rather just work with the people I love. I highly recommend it,” he noted. His decision to include family and friends in his projects marks a notable shift in his creative approach, aiming to merge his professional and personal life.

As “Company” awaits its release date, Affleck’s insights during the festival have drawn attention to both his career evolution and his aspirations for the future. He continues to navigate the complexities of fame while cultivating personal connections in his artistic endeavours. As a well-respected player in the film industry, Affleck’s reflections on vulnerability and family resonate with many, showcasing an evolving narrative that goes beyond accolades and achievements.