John Turturro on Oscar Buzz and Severance Season 3 Return
Actor John Turturro discusses his Oscar buzz for 'The Only Living Pickpocket in New York' and confirms his return to Severance Season 3.
Emmy-winning actor John Turturro recently took center stage at the Zurich Film Festival, where he shared intimate reflections on his legendary career, his upcoming projects, and the rising awards season chatter surrounding his latest work. During a masterclass session, the veteran performer opened up about the unexpected attention his new film is receiving and provided clarity on the future of one of television's most acclaimed series.
The Only Living Pickpocket in New York and Oscar Hopes
Turturro’s latest cinematic venture, The Only Living Pickpocket in New York, directed by Noah Segan, has become a major talking point. In the film, Turturro portrays Harry, a seasoned pickpocket whose structured existence falls into chaos following a botched job, sparking a high-stakes 36-hour ordeal.
As the film gains momentum and enters the conversation for major acting awards, Turturro shared his unique perspective on award campaigns. While he admits he isn't typically one to chase accolades, his passion for this specific project has changed his approach.
“I never really have gone the whole hog with it. But now I’m the lead in the film, so I’m going to support the film because I love the film,”
He noted that while being recognized is a pleasant experience, it isn't his driving force. For Turturro, the goal is constant evolution, stating that he views acting as a craft where one can always strive for improvement. He expressed surprise at the intense positive response the film received following its success at Sundance.
Severance Season 3 and the Return of Irving Bailiff
Fans of the hit Apple TV+ series Severance can breathe a sigh of relief. When asked about the possibility of his return, Turturro confirmed he will be reprising his role as Irving Bailiff in the highly anticipated third season.
His commitment to the show remains tied to the quality of the storytelling. He remarked that as long as the production provides him with compelling material, he is fully invested in the journey. He also spoke fondly of his onscreen chemistry with Christopher Walken, noting that his affection for the legendary actor made their romantic storyline in the series feel incredibly natural.
Reflecting on a Four-Decade Legacy
The masterclass also served as a retrospective of a career that has spanned over forty years. Turturro has worked alongside some of the most iconic names in cinema, including:
- Spike Lee
- The Coen Brothers
- Martin Scorsese
- Robert Redford
- Pedro Almodóvar
From cult classics like The Big Lebowski and Barton Fink to his acclaimed performance in the HBO crime drama The Night Of, Turturro's filmography is a testament to his versatility. Regarding The Night Of, he expressed pride in the series and a desire to have seen it continue, though creative differences regarding the direction of the story prevented further seasons.
Despite his immense success and the recent receipt of the festival's Golden Eye award, Turturro remains remarkably humble. He concluded by stating that, in many ways, he still considers himself a beginner, driven simply by the desire to do interesting work and share it with an audience.