Christopher Nolan reveals his son’s dig on ‘Oppenheimer’ Oscar loss as he worked on ‘The Odyssey’

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Christopher Nolan has talked about his upcoming movie, ‘The Odyssey’, which will hit theatres on July 17, in a new interview.

During the same interview, the legendary filmmaker also disclosed how one of his sons humbled him as he worked on the epic fantasy action film, starring Matt Damon, Zendaya, Tom Holland, and Anne Hathaway in crucial roles.

Christopher Nolan says he keeps his awards out of view to reduce pressure

Nolan told the BBC, “My son walked into my office while I was writing on ‘The Odyssey’ and said, ‘Where are your Oscars?’” as he noted that his son was away when his movie ‘Oppenheimer’ won several Academy Awards in 2024.

The 55-year-old further revealed that he explained to his son that he’s not keeping his awards close to him because he did not want to take any extra pressure. “I said to him very seriously, ‘Well, I’m trying to write a new project and if I’ve got Oscars sitting there on the shelf, you know, think about how daunting that’d be,’” he recalled.

Christopher Nolan's son reminded him that he's not won an Oscar for screenwriting

But Nolan’s son was not satisfied with his answer as he pointed out that he’s yet to win an Oscar for his writing. “He looked at me, and he said, ‘But you didn’t win for writing,’” the director added.

Two years ago, Nolan won Academy Awards for ‘Oppenheimer’ — one for Best Director and one for Best Picture — but he did not get one for screenwriting. The blockbuster movie also earned an Oscar for Cillian Murphy, who got the Best Actor award, and Robert Downey Jr was given one for Best Supporting Actor.

The 2023 film also won awards for Best Editing, Best Cinematography, and Best Original Score.

Christopher Nolan shares four children with wife Emma Thomas

Though Nolan did not name which of his sons made the comment, it was his youngest, Magnus, who was not in attendance when ‘Oppenheimer’ took home many Academy Awards in 2024.

Apart from Magnus, Nolan is also the father of Flora, Oliver and Rory, whom he shares with his wife and producing partner, Emma Thomas.

Christopher Nolan shares why he chose modern English for 'The Odyssey' dialogues

Meanwhile, during the BBC interview, Nolan also addressed criticism of his use of modern English dialogue in 'The Odyssey'.

“I’m adapting. I’m able to do whatever I want with it, really. I’m not bound by the language; I’m working beyond the language. I’m just looking at the story,” he shared, before adding, “I think this is why it sustains even though some of the values of it are obviously archaic and outdated.”