- Jeremy Strong earns his first Oscar nomination for ‘The Apprentice’.
- He plays lawyer Roy Cohn, a controversial figure from Trump’s early years.
- Strong calls the recognition a “lifelong dream” and shares childhood memories.
- The film also secures a Best Actor nomination for Sebastian Stan.
- Strong acknowledges the film’s challenges and its relevance today.
Jeremy Strong is embracing nostalgia after receiving his first-ever Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He earned the recognition for his portrayal of Roy Cohn in The Apprentice, a film chronicling Donald Trump’s early years as a businessman in the 1970s and 1980s.
In a heartfelt statement, Strong described the nomination as the fulfillment of a “lifelong dream.” He shared a childhood memory, recalling the time he watched the 65th Academy Awards as a young boy. In 1993, he and his father braved the cold on metal bleachers outside the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles just to catch a glimpse of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
“I remember being unable to sleep because of how exciting it was to be close to that world,” Strong wrote. “I have not lost that feeling of excitement; I feel it every time I go to set or drive onto a lot or begin rehearsals.”
The Apprentice: A Battle Worth Fighting
The Apprentice has faced intense controversy, but Strong remains proud of the project. His portrayal of Roy Cohn, a ruthless lawyer and political fixer, has already earned him BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations. Despite the challenges, he stands by the film’s message and impact.
Strong acknowledged the struggles surrounding the film’s release. He called it an “uphill battle” and said resistance came from every direction. However, he expressed gratitude that both he and co-star Sebastian Stan, who plays Trump, received recognition for their performances.
Beyond awards, Strong stressed the film’s relevance in today’s political climate. He pointed out that Cohn’s influence still lingers, especially after this week’s inauguration. “Roy Cohn’s long, dark shadow was hanging over the Capitol Rotunda on Monday,” he said, highlighting the lasting impact of Cohn’s tactics.
Strong described The Apprentice as a “harrowing and courageous” story about power and influence. He called it the “role of a lifetime” and emphasized its importance in understanding the forces shaping modern politics.
A Step Toward the Oscars
With Oscar night approaching, Strong remains humbled by the recognition. “I am filled with amazement, flooded with emotion, and deeply grateful to my peers in the Academy,” he said.
As he continues his journey toward the awards ceremony, Strong’s childhood dream of standing on the Oscar stage is closer than ever.