Apart from being a great actor, Ben Affleck has proved his abilities as a director and screenwriter too. Affleck’s career began as a child artist and he later appeared in some indie comedy movies. The Gone Girl actor was first recognized by Hollywood when he co-wrote the screenplay for Good Will Hunting with his friend Matt Damon and acted in the movie alongside him.
Affleck also won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for Good Will Hunting which he shared with Damon. However, the Pearl Harbour actor had to wait a long and challenging 15 years to get another recognition from the Academy.
Ben Affleck’s Argo Won The Oscar 15 Years After His Good Will Hunting Win
Ben Affleck-directed Argo won the Best Picture award at the 85th Academy Awards. Argo was inspired by the memoir of CIA operative Tony Mendez, which chronicled the rescue mission conducted by the CIA during the 1979–1981 Iran hostage crisis. The story explores the elaborate plan developed by the CIA to extract six American diplomats who escaped the hostage situation and were stuck in Iran amidst the crisis.
Argo received widespread critical acclaim, especially lauded for its performances, editing, and score, despite some people pointing out historical inaccuracies. Affleck, who also played Tony Mendez in the thriller, was praised for his direction. The film featured some great talents including Bryan Cranston, Alan Arkin, and John Goodman.
The Gigli actor who was facing several ups and downs in his career since his last Oscar win 15 years back, was elated by the critical success of the film. However, Affleck never imagined an Oscar win for this thriller film.
Ben Affleck’s Argo Oscar Win Was More Special Than Good Will Hunting
Argo’s Best Picture Oscar win came as a sweet surprise for Ben Affleck. For the Armaggedon actor, the win came as a joyful vindication as he proved his capabilities once again. In an interview with Howard Stern, Affleck described this moment as his most “self-satisfying”. The Justice League actor remarked that this award was more meaningful than his earlier Oscar. Affleck shared:
“It was the most self-satisfying moment because for so long I just felt like I had to prove I belonged. I gotta’ show these people, tell these people: prove that I mean something and that I’m worth something. And years, 15 years, after Good Will Hunting and a lot of years in the shitter and a lot of fucking tabloids and bullshit. And I didn’t think we were going to win. It was much more meaningful [than Good Will Hunting’s Oscar win].”
Some argued that Affleck was denied a worthy Best Director Oscar for the movie. Argo was a turning point in the Daredevil actor’s career as it reasserted his position in Hollywood. Following the win, an array of roles followed for The Accountant actor including the Batman role in DCEU.
Good Will Hunting is currently available for streaming on HBO Max, while Argo can be rented via AppleTV.
Source: Daily Mail
