Michael Douglas has made headlines once again by expressing his strong belief that Glenn Close deserved to win the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1988 for her role in “Fatal Attraction.” During a recent episode of “The Graham Norton Show,” the pair, who starred together in the iconic thriller, reminisced about their time on set and the awards season surrounding the film.
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Close received her fourth Oscar nomination for her performance as Alex Forrest, a woman who becomes dangerously obsessed with her married colleague, Dan Gallagher, portrayed by Douglas. However, that year, it was Cher who took home the coveted Oscar for her role in the romantic comedy “Moonstruck.” Douglas, now 82, did not shy away from voicing his opinion during the programme, declaring, “She should have won with Fatal Attraction.”
The episode aired on October 30, 2026, and featured a lively discussion among Douglas, Close, host Graham Norton, and guests Kieran Culkin and Naomi Ackie. Close made a humorous remark regarding her upcoming honorary Oscar at the Governors Awards, suggesting that the Academy members might want to alleviate any guilt over her lack of a competitive win after being nominated eight times throughout her illustrious career.
Norton, acknowledging the moment with playful sarcasm, asked whether it was indeed Cher’s “Moonstruck” performance that triumphed over Close’s. Douglas responded with incredulity, exclaiming, “I know. That’s what we all said,” prompting laughter from the audience and fellow guests.
Douglas went on to extol Close’s performance, describing it as one of “the greatest performances of all time.” Norton’s quip about Cher’s decision to add grey to her hair for her role served to lighten the discussion, but it also highlighted the ongoing debate over taste and merit in award selections.
“Fatal Attraction,” released in 1987, not only garnered critical acclaim but also achieved significant box office success, and it has remained a staple in popular culture. Its narrative, centred on the implications of infidelity and obsession, continues to resonate with audiences. Close’s portrayal of Alex Forrest has been frequently cited as both compelling and complex, making her loss at the Oscars all the more contentious among fans and critics alike.
During their time on “The Graham Norton Show,” Douglas shared an interesting backstory behind Close’s casting in “Fatal Attraction.” Initially, the filmmakers doubted her suitability for the role, but Close’s determination to audition changed their minds. “Glenn had already got three Oscar nominations,” he recalled. “We thought, ‘We can’t ask her!’ But she insisted, and she came in.” Douglas painted a vivid picture of her audition, describing how she left everyone speechless with her talent.
The impact of Close’s performance was so profound that it left Douglas and others feeling somewhat foolish for their initial hesitation about casting her. “We remember looking at each other feeling like total idiots,” he said. “She was in total command.”
The conversation on the show ultimately underscored not only Close’s exceptional talent but also the arbitrary nature of awards like the Oscars. Despite being a veteran of the industry, Close has yet to secure a win in a competitive category, a fact she lightly acknowledged while also celebrating her upcoming honorary Oscar.
She will receive this prestigious award alongside esteemed filmmaker Ridley Scott and animator Floyd Norman on November 15, 2026, during the Governors Awards. The recognition stands as a testament to her enduring contributions to cinema, even amidst the long-standing debate over accolades in the film industry.
In the end, the discussions brought forth by Douglas and Close during the show highlighted both the highs and lows of the awards scene, eliciting laughter, nostalgia, and a renewed appreciation for Close’s remarkable ability as an actress—one that many believe already deserved the recognition of an Oscar many years ago.