Al Pacino on skipping Oscars

Al Pacino has opened up about his struggles with fame and the fear that led him to skip several Academy Awards, including in 1973 when he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in The Godfather. Speaking on BBC Radio 2, he compared his discomfort with fame to that of writer Jack Kerouac, revealing that he often felt out of place and embarrassed by his success. Pacino clarified that rumors suggesting he was upset over not receiving a Best Actor nomination were unfounded; instead, he was simply scared of the spotlight. The actor admitted to experiencing mental turmoil before even winning an Oscar, recalling a moment after winning the National Board of Review award when he asked a director for a psychiatrist. At 84, Pacino reflects on how these feelings of unease have persisted throughout his career, despite his accolades, including an Oscar for Scent of a Woman. He emphasized that the fear of not being able to function in such high-pressure situations has been a recurring theme in his life.