John Malkovich Reflects on Oscars, Theaters, and ‘Wild Horse Nine’ Campaign

John Malkovich is receiving significant acclaim for his role in Martin McDonagh’s CIA black comedy “Wild Horse Nine,” marking his first serious Oscar contention in thirty years. The 72-year-old actor, who received prior nominations for “Places in the Heart” and “In the Line of Fire,” recently spoke at the London Film Festival about how the industry has evolved since his last campaign trail.

Malkovich noted that while awards previously held a “very, very high position in the culture,” the landscape has shifted dramatically with the rise of streaming. He argued that today, awards season has become a critical marketing tool for cinemas. “Now, that’s the only way to get people to go to the theaters, the whole thing. And that’s months and months and months,” he told attendees, adding that films like “The Godfather” no longer dominate the cultural conversation to the same extent.

Reflecting on his past nominations, Malkovich recalled a time when campaigning was minimal. “When I was nominated for an Academy Award, someone said, ‘You’re nominated for an Academy Award,'” he said. He also shared a humorous anecdote about his only previous Oscar attendance, describing his manager Phyllis Carlyle’s firm guidance as they approached the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. When he suggested using a side entrance, she retorted, “Honey! It’s the Oscars, there’s no side door!”

Despite the changes, Malkovich remains adaptable. “I’m 72 years old, things change,” he stated. “I don’t really like thinking things aren’t what they used to be. They just change, and you either change with them or die. And I prefer to change with them. I’ll die, anyway.”

“Wild Horse Nine,” in which Malkovich co-stars with Sam Rockwell as veteran CIA operatives, premiered at the London Film Festival on Friday. Set against the backdrop of the 1973 Chilean coup, the film recently earned Malkovich the best actor award at the Venice Film Festival. At Venice, he humbly credited the film’s writers, directors, and cast, emphasizing that the movie’s overall success mattered more to him than individual recognition.