John Malkovich isn’t quitting acting — Oscar buzz or no trophy
An actor you know has one priority right now: keeping his career going as age makes that climb tougher.
Pressed at the Venice Film Festival after Wild Horse Nine premiered Thursday, John Malkovich brushed off talk of an acceptance speech and awards handicapping. He wasn’t interested in turning the post-screening glow into a victory lap, stressing he doesn’t see acting as a competition.
“I’ve had a long career, and I’ve had spectacular collaborations with writers, directors and actors. I never feel in competition with any of them. For me, it ’s a very nice thing. But the nicest thing is the film getting attention.”
Looking ahead, Malkovich said he plans to keep working as long as the roles keep coming, telling Variety he has no retirement timeline in mind.
“I’ve been doing what I love my whole life. I plan to keep doing that. I don’t plan to retire because I think they’ll retire me when it’s time.”
As for why he signed on, Malkovich told Variety playing a “crackling” CIA agent in Wild Horse Nine was an “easy decision.” The two-time Oscar nominee has been at it since 1976, with a breakout in 1984’s Places in the Heart (his first nomination) and another nod for 1993’s In the Line of Fire.
Why the buzz
Beyond Malkovich’s turn, the movie arrives loaded with pedigree. It’s directed by Martin McDonagh and stacks an ensemble of familiar faces:
- Sam Rockwell
- Steve Buscemi
- Parker Posey
McDonagh’s last two features, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and The Banshees of Inisherin, also debuted at Venice before racking up major Oscar nominations. With that track record and a star showcase for Malkovich, Wild Horse Nine is already being talked up as a player for the 2027 Oscars .