Samuel L. Jackson Calls out ‘Statue-Chasing’ Actors in Hollywood Critique

If there were ever any questions about Samuel L. Jackson’s motivation for the roles and movies he chooses, the popular actor put them to rest during one brutally honest run of comments.

Jackson, who’s won one Oscar in his career—an Honorary Academy Award for lifetime achievement in 2021—made it known that he couldn’t care less about the awards and trophies. He also had some choice words for the stars of Hollywood who focus too much on trying to take home the hardware..

The star of Pulp Fiction, The Hateful Eight and Coach Carter, among many others, not only explained that he does “popcorn movies” (movies he wants to go see), but also called out fellow actors for “statue chasing.”

During a recent interview on the Mad, Sad & Bad podcast, Jackson explained his mindset for choosing the movies he does.

“I don’t pick a movie and go, ‘I’m gonna to win an Oscar if I do this.'” Jackson said.

Jackson responded bluntly after being asked if other actors actually take that approach to choosing roles.

“F— yeah. People are out there statue chasing all the time,” Jackson responded.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to be in a lot of big old franchises, you know, things like Marvel and Star Wars and stuff like that. But I pick the little wacky movies to do like Snakes on a Plane or Hitman’s Bodyguard—things that make me happy, that I would have gone to the movies to see.”

Jackson’s comments are interesting, but it’s hard to disagree that he’s seemingly done “fun” movies throughout much of his career, or at least films that people would typically want to see in theaters.

Snakes on a Plane was a great example, as the premise behind it seemed somewhat over the top, but it ultimately wound up being a lighthearted and surprisingly well-received movie. Although it’s just one example, Snakes on a Plane received a solid 69% rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics.

Jackson’s approach to choosing roles is obviously not changing either, and it’s hard not to appreciate that about the 76-year-old actor.

Related: ‘Black Panther 3’ Director Ryan Coogler Responds to Denzel Washington Rumors

Samuel L. Jackson Calls out ‘Statue-Chasing’ Actors in Hollywood Critique first appeared on Men’s Journal on Jun 7, 2025