Samuel L Jackson says there's no glory in just being nominated for Oscars: 'It’s an honor to win'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Samuel L Jackson shared his unfiltered thoughts on the value of Academy Award nominations during an interview with the Associated Press.

The 75-year-old actor, known for his iconic roles across a four-decade career, dismissed the notion that nominations alone are an achievement.

Samuel L Jackson on Oscar nominations

Speaking about Oscar nominations, Samuel L Jackson declared, “Folks who go, ‘Well, it’s just an honor to be nominated’—no, it ain’t. It’s an honor to win."

His comment elicited laughter from 'The Piano Lesson' co-star Michael Potts, who agreed, “They only remember the winner.”

Jackson further elaborated, adding that nominations often fade from memory unless they result in a win.

"You get nominated, folks go, 'Yeah, I remember that,' or most people forget," he said.

Samuel L Jackson reflects on his own Oscar journey

Despite being one of the most prolific actors in the industry, Samuel L Jackson has received only one Oscar nomination.

In 1995, he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his iconic role as hitman Jules in Quentin Tarantino’s 'Pulp Fiction'.

However, the award went to Martin Landau for 'Ed Wood'.

Commenting on the competitive nature of awards, Jackson remarked, “Generally, it’s a contest you didn’t volunteer to be in."

"They nominate you, and folks go, ‘What is that movie they nominated for?’ And then after it’s over, people have a hard time remembering who even won,” he noted.

Samuel L Jackson's honorary Oscar and a lifetime of entertainment

Although Samuel L Jackson has not only been nominated, he was honored with an Academy Award for lifetime achievement at the 2022 Governors Awards.

Presented by his close friend and frequent collaborator Denzel Washington, the honorary Oscar recognized Jackson’s enduring contributions to cinema.

During his acceptance speech, Jackson reflected on his journey in Hollywood.

“I got out there to entertain audiences the way Hollywood entertained me," he said, according to People.

"Make them forget their lives for a few hours and be thrilled, awed, or excited," Jackson continued.

"Thanks to every person who has ever bought a ticket to any movie I was in. It’s truly been an honor and a pleasure to entertain you,” he shared at the event.

Samuel L Jackson's collaboration on 'The Piano Lesson'

Samuel L Jackson's recent comments come amid the release of 'The Piano Lesson', now streaming on Netflix.

The adaptation of August Wilson’s play sees Jackson collaborating with Washington’s sons, John David Washington and Malcolm Washington.