Landman’s Billy Bob Thornton Explains Why Taylor Sheridan Gets Overlooked at Awards

Billy Bob Thornton, star of the series Landman, recently shared his thoughts on why Taylor Sheridan, the creative force behind several hit shows and movies, often finds his work passed over at major award ceremonies. Thornton believes that misconceptions about Sheridan’s political leanings play a significant role in this ongoing snub.

Perceptions and Misconceptions

Thornton addressed the issue head-on, noting that many in the industry assume Sheridan holds strong right-wing views. He explained that this perception, especially with Landman’s focus on the oil industry, leads some to believe the show is pushing a particular agenda. In Thornton’s words:

I think some people assume Taylor is some sort of right-wing guy or something, and he’s really not. Even with this show being about the oil business, he just shows you what it ’s like. He’s not saying ‘Rah, rah, rah for oil.’

He went on to add:

It’s a world of gambling, and you never know what’s going to happen. But I think people got the wrong idea about that.

Given the themes Sheridan explores—often centered on authority and power—it’s not surprising that some viewers jump to conclusions about his personal politics. But Thornton insists these assumptions miss the mark.

Sheridan’s Own Words on Politics

Back in 2019, as films like Wind River and Sicario sparked debate, Sheridan clarified his stance in an interview. He described himself as “apolitical publicly” and pushed back against those labeling his work as catering to a conservative audience. Sheridan stated:

If you truly look at this show or Wind River or Sicario, these are pretty wildly progressive notions. The people who are calling it a red-state show have probably never watched it.

He further explained:

But I’m not just going to show you one side. I’m going to show you all sides.

Sheridan’s approach is to present complex issues from multiple perspectives, rather than promoting a single viewpoint. This method, he argues, is often misunderstood by those who haven’t engaged deeply with his work.

How Sheridan Tackles Power and Morality

In his projects, Sheridan consistently aims to portray the full spectrum of human behavior and motivation. For instance, in Yellowstone, John Dutton’s resistance to change is balanced by his willingness to use questionable tactics to hold onto power. Similarly, Sicario’s narrative unfolds through the eyes of a morally conflicted protagonist, only to reveal deeper layers of authority and corruption.

Audiences are drawn to these characters not because of their politics, but because of the depth and complexity Sheridan brings to them. He has said his focus is always on character development, letting viewers decide for themselves which values resonate most.

Landman at a Glance

Landman, created by Sheridan, stars Billy Bob Thornton, Ali Larter, and Michelle Randolph. The show has earned an 8.2/10 rating on IMDb and a 78% score on Rotten Tomatoes. It’s available to stream on Paramount+.

Sheridan’s work continues to spark conversation, challenging audiences to look beyond surface-level assumptions and engage with the stories he tells.