LOS ANGELES: The producers behind Netflix’s “The Trial of the Chicago 7” are continuing their campaign to have the film’s ensemble cast share the spotlight at the upcoming Oscars, declining to single anyone out for a potential lead actor nomination in favor of pushing supporting actor awards for everyone.
In light of the headline-making move, Arab News caught up with co-star Sacha Baron Cohen to ask how he handled working with such a talented group.
“When I act, I take out my contact lenses and glasses so I can’t even see them,” Cohen, who plays on-trial political activist Abbie Hoffman in the film, confided. “That’s my trick. Otherwise, I’d be too self-conscious.”
The film is based on the 1969 trial of seven defendants charged by the US government with conspiracy after the countercultural protests in Chicago at the 1968 Democratic National Convention. Supplied
There were several casting changes during the film’s decade-long production cycle, and at various times Will Smith, Seth Rogen and the late Heath Ledger were included, before producers landed on the final cast. But for Cohen, it was worth the wait.
“I would basically sit with Frank Langella,” said Cohen of the Tony Award-winning actor. “He’s such an experienced actor. He’s one of the greatest living actors. He’s also been acting for over 60 years, so I thought I should learn from the Langella school of acting.”
Based on the infamous 1969 trial of seven defendants charged by the US government with conspiracy after the countercultural protests in Chicago at the 1968 Democratic National Convention, the film has received rave reviews from critics, not least due to the performances by such stars as Eddie Redmayne, Jeremy Strong and Mark Rylance.
The lead up to the Oscars ceremony could see as many as nine actors from the film competing for only five nominations. Supplied
The lead up to the April 25 Oscars ceremony could see as many as nine actors from the film competing for only five nominations. The awards are anyone’s game, particularly given the lengths to which the cast went to give their best performances.
“I hear some screams, and I look around and Jeremy Strong is being beaten up by a large man on the floor and sort of kicked,” Cohen told Arab News. “I thought ‘alright, do I go and save him?’ And then I realized he was doing it intentionally. This is part of his preparation. He wanted to experience what the real character was experiencing. But, I couldn’t bring myself to be beaten up by the security guard on set.”
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