Mahershala Ali, who won a 2017 Oscar for “Moonlight,” is back in the awards conversation again, this time for the racially-fueled drama “Green Book.”
Ali, who will next be seen in HBO’s third rendition of “True Detective” in January, has naturally had to think and speak introspectively about the business in the last couple of years, which has given him some career perspective all actors could stand to hear.
“The way we talk about acting, the way we talk about the business, we really don't talk about the workman-like qualities within it, and how you only actually act between ‘action’ and ‘cut,’ ” Ali said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “The rest of it is looking for material, prepping for it—the wardrobe, the costume elements, building the psychology and getting ready for the piece itself. Getting to act is such a minuscule part of the experience that you have to love it that much.”
Of course, one can’t discuss career without also acknowledging the financial aspect of the business. Ali does, but he also insists a successful career has to be about so much more.
“My relationship to this work is honestly not about money,” he says. “It is 100 percent about connecting to these stories, and these projects, and these characters, and these lives. As soon as I don't feel that, I won't be doing it anymore.”
As one year ends and a new one begins, actors, that mindset seems as valuable as any.
Inspired? Check out Backstage’s film audition listings!