Every actor dreams of reaching that one career-defining moment when they lift an Oscar. For many, it is the gold standard of recognition in the industry. And then there are actors like John Malkovich, who believe that the true reward is the work itself. Malkovich is drawing early Oscar attention for his role in Wild Horse Nine.

However, it seems that the Ripley’s Game actor is not buying into the Oscar hype just yet. In fact, Malkovich is focused on the bigger picture. He is finding ways to continue acting and sustain his career as he gets older.

John Malkovich's Wild Horse Nine premiered at the Venice Film Festival on Thursday. During its press conference, the actor was probed for a reaction on the Oscar conversation and whether he has already started working on his acceptance speech. While Malkovich appreciated the flattering question, he made it clear that he is not competing with anyone, as per Variety.

“I’ve had a long career, and I’ve had spectacular collaborations with writers, directors and actors. I never feel in competition with any of them," he said. "For me, it’s a very nice thing. But the nicest thing is the film getting attention," Malkovich added, putting things into perspective. 

Further discussing how he would like to move forward, the actor emphasized that he plans to keep doing what he loves- acting. 

"I’ve been doing what I love my whole life. I plan to keep doing that. I don’t plan to retire because I think they’ll retire me when it’s time". 

Malkovich also told Variety that playing the role of a a crackling CIA agent was a very "easy decision" for him. The Dangerous Liaisons star has been in the entertainment industry since 1976, his breakthrough being in Places in the Heart in 1984. He even received an Oscar nomination for the same.

He was nominated again a decade later for In the Line of Fire. Now, years later, he is once again back in the Oscar buzz for his role in Wild Horse Nine. But could this finally be Malkovich’s year to win?

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Malkovich’s performance may be central to the Oscar conversation, but the film itself has several elements working in its favor.

Fans have already began picking the Oscar frontrunners, months ahead of the official ceremony. And since the Venice Film Festival premiere, fans also believe that with the complex performance of John Malkovich, and the fact that he has remained Oscar-less for so many decades, he truly deserves a career-crowning achievement. But that is not all.

The film also features a very strong cast lineup, including, Sam Rockwell, Steve Buscemi, and Parker Posey. Apart from that, Martin McDonagh, the director, also has an impeccable track record with the Oscars. 

McDonagh's films, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and The Banshees of Inisherin, both premiered at Venice and went on to win major Oscar nominations. Given the right push in the campaign, Wild Horse Nine might just emerge as one of the biggest Oscar contenders of 2027, potentially giving Malkovich the golden accolade that has eluded him so far.

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What do you think about John Malkovich's reaction to his Oscar buzz? Let us know in the comments!