In a striking moment that quickly generated intense discussion across Hollywood and among fans, veteran director Martin Scorsese publicly named Adam Driver as the best actor of his generation, decisively overlooking Jake Gyllenhaal for this recognition. The declaration took place during an event honoring Driver, where Scorsese, widely respected for his discerning eye and long history with celebrated performers, appeared to single out the Star Wars star for his profound on-screen presence and distinct passion for filmmaking. Despite Gyllenhaal’s impressive career and extensive body of work, it was Adam Driver who earned Scorsese’s highest praise.
This notable endorsement emerged at the 2019 Telluride Awards, when Scorsese made a surprise appearance to congratulate Adam Driver. As cameras captured the moment, the acclaimed director remarked,
The statement, replayed and shared widely online, has sparked significant attention, particularly from fans and industry professionals who see it as a compelling vote of confidence from one of cinema’s legendary directors. Meanwhile, those who champion Jake Gyllenhaal’s artistry and contributions have wondered why his acclaimed performances have not led to similar acknowledgment from Scorsese.
Martin Scorsese’s preference is grounded in his own experience working with Adam Driver in the 2016 film Silence, where Driver appeared alongside Liam Neeson and Andrew Garfield in a story centered on faith and perseverance. The director’s statement, reinforced by their brief collaboration, has further fueled conversations about Driver’s standing in contemporary cinema, even as Jake Gyllenhaal’s wide-ranging performances continue to resonate across genres. Scorsese’s admiration was evident as he and Driver embraced onstage, highlighting the deep respect he holds for the actor.
Silence, though not a major box office success, was praised for its exploration of deep ethical questions, and Adam Driver’s nuanced portrayal left a lasting impression on both audiences and Scorsese. The film’s critical acclaim, with a 7.2/10 rating on IMDb and an 83% score on Rotten Tomatoes, stands as testament to the kind of challenging roles that both Scorsese and Driver seek out. For fans of Jake Gyllenhaal, the news reminded many of the actor’s own preference for complex, ambitious parts—making Scorsese’s omission all the more noteworthy.
While Jake Gyllenhaal has yet to collaborate with Martin Scorsese in a leading role, Adam Driver’s single major project with the director propelled him to this exceptional commendation. In interviews, Driver has spoken about his desire to tackle films that offer something different, expressing,
This commitment to innovation and depth may be what resonated so strongly with Scorsese and set Driver apart from contemporaries such as Jake Gyllenhaal.
Adam Driver’s willingness to take risks has not always translated to commercial hits. His recent team-up with Francis Ford Coppola in the film Megalopolis was considered a disappointment at the box office, but Driver’s performance continued to showcase the qualities lauded by Scorsese. For many industry observers, the director’s public praise represents more than a simple compliment—it underscores a shift in who Hollywood’s most influential filmmakers see as leading the next era of acting excellence.
For Jake Gyllenhaal, being passed over by Martin Scorsese in favor of Adam Driver is a striking moment in the ongoing conversation about which actors truly define their generation. It highlights the unpredictable nature of recognition in Hollywood and has amplified calls from fans who believe Gyllenhaal deserves his own chance to shine under Scorsese’s direction. As the discussion moves forward, both actors continue to bring bold, memorable performances to screens, raising expectations for future projects and the next round of critical endorsements.
The significance of this event lies not only in Scorsese’s personal opinion, but in the way it shapes industry perceptions and potential opportunities. With Martin Scorsese’s endorsement elevating Adam Driver, attention now turns to whether Jake Gyllenhaal will collaborate with the legendary director in the future, and if that opportunity might finally earn him the recognition many believe he deserves. For now, the debate continues, adding a sense of excitement and anticipation among fans and filmmakers alike.
