It’s Absurd That Ethan Hawke Didn’t Get an Oscar Nomination for This Brilliant 2010s Drama
Ethan Hawke deserved an Oscar nomination for his role as Reverend Toller in Paul Schrader’s 2018 film, First Reformed. For over 30 years, Hawke has proven himself one of the most dependable actors across various genres and production scales.
A Versatile Actor’s Range
Hawke is a classic character actor with the presence of a movie star. His recent 2025 performances in Black Phone 2 and Richard Linklater’s Blue Moon demonstrate his skill to excel as both a horror villain and a nuanced lead in auteur-driven films.
Having evolved spectacularly throughout his career, including his iconic role in Linklater's Before trilogy, Hawke consistently brings sophistication and depth to every project.
Career Peak in First Reformed
In First Reformed, Hawke plays a troubled church pastor in upstate New York, delivering a career-best performance under the direction of Paul Schrader, a master of intense character studies. Despite his powerful portrayal filled with simmering rage and haunting presence, Hawke was surprisingly overlooked by the Oscar voters.
"He was rudely snubbed of an Oscar nomination despite proverbially setting the screen on fire with his simmering rage and haunted aura he provides to one of the 2010s' finest films."
Paul Schrader’s First Oscar Nomination
The psychological drama’s sole Oscar nomination was for Paul Schrader’s Best Original Screenplay, marking his first nomination after a long career. The film centers on a man consumed by fears of global apocalypse brought on by climate change, making it a deeply stirring and relevant piece.
"The stirring psychological drama about the all-consuming fear of global apocalypse due to global warming was Paul Schrader's first nomination in his long and storied career."
Summary
Ethan Hawke’s masterful performance in First Reformed remains an unjustly overlooked highlight of his diverse and enduring acting career.
More News
- Anticipating the Avengers: Doomsday Trailer Release with Avatar: Fire and Ash
- Daily horoscope November 7, 2025: Today's predictions for your star sign
- The London Eye Will Light Up For Remembrance Sunday And Armistice Day – See The Red And Green Poppy Display From This Weekend
- Lisa Riley's 12 stone weight loss and how she achieved it with simple trick
- Premier League's chances of extra Champions League spot as new rankings arrive
- "Hollywood hides these men": Avengers: Doomsday May Ditch Jeremy Renner After Vile Accusations by Chinese Director
- Why Some Marvel Fans Think Brie Larson's Captain Marvel Is In Avengers: Doomsday After All