Daniel Day-Lewis’s Oscar Ambitions: The Role He Hoped Would Win
Daniel Day-Lewis, a three-time Academy Award winner, once set his sights on Oscar gold for his unforgettable performance in Martin Scorsese’s Gangs of New York, revealing his deep admiration for both his director and his fellow nominees.
Few honors in Hollywood rival the prestige of an Academy Award, and only a select group of actors have managed to claim more than one. Katharine Hepburn stands at the top, holding four Oscars, with her first win in 1933 and her last in 1981. Among the rare few with three wins is Daniel Day-Lewis, whose first Oscar came in 1989 for his transformative portrayal of Christy Brown in My Left Foot. Known for his intense method acting, Day-Lewis fully immersed himself in the role, even asking crew members to carry him and feed him during filming. While his approach ruffled some feathers, it undeniably set him apart and launched him into the spotlight.
Rising Stardom and Selective Roles
Throughout the 1990s, Day-Lewis’s career soared as he carefully chose projects that showcased his range. He starred in acclaimed films like The Age of Innocence, The Last of the Mohicans, and In the Name of the Father. Each performance further cemented his reputation as a powerhouse, making him a frequent contender for major awards. Although he lost out to Tom Hanks for Best Actor in In the Name of the Father, Day-Lewis remained a strong presence in the industry, always in the conversation for another Oscar nod.
The Gangs of New York Oscar Race
In 2002, Day-Lewis took on the role of Bill the Butcher in Martin Scorsese’s Gangs of New York, a sweeping historical crime drama featuring a star-studded cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio. The film racked up ten Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor. Day-Lewis was eager for a win after his previous loss, but the competition was fierce, with Jack Nicholson, Nicolas Cage, Michael Caine, and Adrien Brody all in the running. Ultimately, Adrien Brody took home the award for The Pianist, leaving Day-Lewis empty-handed that year.
Despite the disappointment, Day-Lewis expressed genuine excitement for the possibility of winning, especially for his director.
“It would be a delight. I wouldn’t pretend not to be thrilled about it, but more than anything, my fingers are crossed for Martin.”
He added,
“I don’t know if it will happen this year, but that would give me as much pleasure as anything.”
Unfortunately, Scorsese also missed out, with Roman Polanski winning Best Director for The Pianist.
Continued Success and Future Hopes
Day-Lewis’s Oscar journey didn’t end there. He went on to win two more Academy Awards for his roles in There Will Be Blood and Lincoln. Although he didn’t win for Phantom Thread, his legacy as one of the most decorated actors in Oscar history remains secure. With his return to acting in the upcoming film Anemone, there’s speculation that he could once again find himself in the Oscar spotlight, potentially tying Hepburn’s record.