Hollywood star Ben Affleck recently opened up about his 2013 Oscar snub in the Best Director category for Argo during a lively appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. The film, which went on to win Best Picture, famously left Affleck without a directing nomination—a moment he described as unexpectedly embarrassing.
Affleck recalled, “It was the year, the horrible thing of everyone telling you, ‘You’re gonna get nominated, you’re gonna get nominated for director.’ And so, of course, I wake up that morning, and sure enough… it’s a massive embarrassment. I woke up and people said, ‘You didn’t get nominated.’”
Kimmel empathized with Affleck’s experience while referencing Leonardo DiCaprio’s loss to Timothée Chalamet at the Critics’ Choice Awards. He joked about the irony, noting that DiCaprio’s film, One Battle After Another, won Best Picture and Best Director, yet DiCaprio didn’t walk away with an award. “Worst award-show situation ever,” Kimmel quipped.
Affleck’s conversation with Kimmel highlighted the challenges and unexpected frustrations even top Hollywood stars face during awards season. He shared the story in anticipation of promoting his upcoming film The Rip, co-starring Matt Damon, set for release on Netflix on January 16.
This candid reflection offered fans a rare glimpse into the highs and lows behind some of Hollywood’s biggest moments, reminding audiences that even Oscar-winning directors have faced their share of setbacks.