In this captivating episode of The Hollywood Reporter's Awards Chatter podcast, Guy Pearce, a luminous screen presence and one of the most talented actors of his era, joins as the esteemed guest. Born in England but a proud Aussie at heart, Pearce has etched his name in cinematic history with his exceptional performances across a myriad of films. From the mesmerizing 1994 flick The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, to the gritty 1997 noir L.A. Confidential, and the mind-bending 2000 thriller Memento; from the Oscar-winning dramas The Hurt Locker in 2009 and The King’s Speech in 2010, to his Emmy-winning and Golden Globe/SAG-nominated turn in the 2011 limited series Mildred Pierce opposite Kate Winslet, Pearce has consistently delivered. More recently, he garnered acclaim for his portrayal of Harrison Lee Van Buren, a Pennsylvania millionaire-turned-patron of a Holocaust-survivor Jewish architect, in Brady Corbet's The Brutalist—a film that garnered ten Oscar nominations, including Pearce's maiden nod in the Best Supporting Actor category.
Seated amidst the enchanting ambiance of Santa Barbara’s El Encanto, a luxurious Belmond hotel nestled along the American Riviera, the 57-year-old actor mused on the profound impact of a childhood tragedy that may have steered him towards an acting career. He reflected on how his early stardom in Australian television shaped his career choices post-L.A. Confidential, which catapulted him to international fame. Pearce also opened up about the abusive behavior he endured from Kevin Spacey on the set of L.A. Confidential, an ordeal that has lingered with him for years. Furthermore, he expressed his profound pride in The Brutalist, describing it as one of his most cherished achievements in the 28 years since his breakthrough role in L.A. Confidential. The conversation delved much deeper, painting a vivid picture of an actor's journey marked by resilience, talent, and unwavering passion for his craft.
