The actor talks about his Oscar nomination for The Two Popes and his new role as Don Quixote, before moving on to the vexed subject of inequality in the movie industry
It is the day after the Oscar nominations, and Jonathan Pryce is perched at a corner table in a humdrum
London bar, guest of honour at the saddest celebration in town. His first best-actor nomination has been a long time coming. At the age of 72, he has arrived. “Best newcomer,” he says ruefully. “Although I already do have a best newcomer award. It was for Breaking Glass. Back in 1980.”
It is no surprise to see Pryce honoured for his lovely performance in The Two Popes, a likable
Netflix drama that spotlights the bromance between Benedict and Francis, but it knocked him sideways all the same. He had not thought he stood a chance; he had just come out of the shower when the news came through. Since then, his phone has barely stopped buzzing. Congratulations and requests. Demands on his time. “But it’s great,” he adds quickly, and almost sounds as if he means it.