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Ethan Hawke’s journey through the Oscars began 25 years ago with his nomination for Best Supporting Actor in 2001’s Training Day, and now feels like a full-circle moment as he receives another nod for Best Actor at the 98th Academy Awards on March 15. His extensive career, marked by a diverse range of roles and creative achievements, has solidified his place among the industry’s most respected performers.
Recently nominated for his role in Richard Linklater’s Blue Moon, Hawke, 55, reflected on his experience in an interview with PEOPLE.
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I was the youngest in my category and now I’m the oldest,
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he said.
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And it happened so fast. It feels like six years ago that Training Day came out to me in my brain, so it’s hard not to think about a lifetime spent doing this,
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he continued. He added,
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I’m incredibly grateful to be here and to still be doing this dance because I enjoy it a lot, but it does make you think a lot about time.
”
His Breakthrough Role in Training Day and Its Impact
Hawke’s acclaimed role opposite Denzel Washington in the crime thriller Training Day marked a turning point in his career. The film, set in Los Angeles, featured the dynamic between a rookie cop and his seasoned partner. Hawke, just 31 at the time, earned a Best Supporting Actor nomination, though the Oscar was awarded to Jim Broadbent for Iris. This recognition boosted Hawke’s reputation in Hollywood and opened doors to more complex roles.
Reflecting on advice he might give his younger self, Hawke said with a laugh,
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I was having a great time in 2001. I don’t know if I needed a lot of advice,
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before acknowledging how special it was to work alongside Washington.
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I knew how fortunate I was to be there, to get to do this whole event with Denzel. He’s one of the greatest actors who’ve ever lived, and so to get to ride shotgun — that wasn’t lost on me what a special experience that was.
”
Hawke emphasized his steady approach to fame and nominations, stating,
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It wasn’t like I was here like a bag of anxiety [or] nerves. I enjoyed every second, and I’m trying to do the same now.
”
His patience and calm mindset have apparently helped him navigate the pressures of awards season with a sense of grounding.
Expanding His Oscar Legacy Across Roles and Mediums
Since his first nomination, Hawke has accumulated five Oscar nods, showcasing versatility as both an actor and screenwriter. In addition to Training Day, he has been honored for his performances in Before Sunset and Boyhood, as well as his writing on Before Midnight. His current nomination for portraying Lorenz Hart in Blue Moon places him among this year’s leading actors, contending with names like Timothée Chalamet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael B. Jordan, and Wagner Moura.
Creative Partnership with Richard Linklater
Blue Moon represents Hawke’s ninth collaboration with director Richard Linklater, highlighting a creative partnership that began three decades ago.
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We started working together in 1994,
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Hawke noted, referring to their first film together, Before Sunrise, released in 1995. He added,
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We’ve been pushing each other and driving each other for 30 years. And we’ve made films that are really meaningful to us. And when other people like them, it feels tremendous.
”
This ongoing collaboration has produced deeply personal films that resonate with audiences globally.
Upcoming Awards and Ceremony Details
Besides the Oscar nomination, Hawke is also up for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role at the 2026 Actor Awards, an honor he previously received for Training Day. The Academy Awards ceremony will air live on Sunday, March 15, starting at 7 p.m. ET on ABC and will also be available for streaming on Hulu. Notably, the show’s broadcast is scheduled to move to YouTube beginning in 2029. Hosting the event once again will be Conan O’Brien.
Implications of Hawke’s Oscar Journey
Ethan Hawke’s five-decade-spanning career, punctuated by consistent Oscar recognition, underscores the enduring nature of his craft and artistic integrity. His reflective tone about time and longevity, combined with his creative resilience, illustrates both an anxious awareness of the passing years and an intense commitment to his work. As he continues collaborating with Linklater and earning top-tier nominations, Hawke’s journey remains a significant narrative within the awards landscape, inspiring both peers and fans alike.