Melissa Leo Opens Up: Oscar Win “Wasn’t Good” for Me or My Career

Melissa Leo has opened up about her experience winning an Academy Award, telling The Guardian in a recent interview that the honor did not bring the benefits many might expect. Having said that, winning an Oscar has not been good for me or my career. I didn’t dream of it, I never wanted it, and I had a much better career before I won, she admitted.

Recalling the moment she received the Oscar for her role in The Fighter, Leo said the experience was overwhelming. One loses one’s mind. I had won a lot of prestigious awards for The Fighter that season, and sat in that great gigantic theatre thinking: “Well, it certainly is possible,” she recalled.

Leo described the intimidating atmosphere at the Dolby Theatre, where every giant of the industry is visible from the stage. In the Dolby theatre, you have to raise your chin like you’re about to scale Mount Everest. Every single actor, director and producer you recognise, is staring you in the face, she noted.

During her acceptance speech, the excitement led to a famous slip of the tongue. I then cursed, and I’m still sorry I cursed. I f**** curse all the time, but you cannot curse on network television. Thank God for the 10-second delay, which was introduced for f*c*i*g idiots like me, Leo said.

Despite her reservations about the award’s impact, Leo has remained one of the most prolific and respected character actresses in Hollywood. She recently starred in the psychological drama The Knife, which premiered in late 2025. In the film, she plays a probing detective investigating a family after a home invasion, starring alongside Nnamdi Asomugha and Aja Naomi King.

The actress has also been busy in the action and crime genres, recently appearing in The Clean Up Crew with Antonio Banderas and Jonathan Rhys Meyers. She also joined Frank Grillo and Andy García for the action-thriller Long Gone Heroes, further solidifying her reputation for portraying tough, unconventional women.

Looking ahead to the rest of 2026, Leo has several high-profile projects scheduled for release. She is set to star in the Paramount horror film Passenger, directed by André Øvredal, which is currently slated for a May 29, 2026, release. The film also features Lou Llobell and Jacob Scipio in lead roles.

On a personal level, Leo has recently embraced new creative outlets outside of acting, such as pottery. The knitting has been eclipsed by pottery the past three years. I go to a local pottery studio, do what I can on a wheel, and get my creativity out there, she shared.

She also continues to reside in Manhattan after returning to the city following a temporary move during the pandemic. Despite her long career, she expressed a surprising desire to change her typical casting. I am dying to do that kind of work. I’ve been asking for years: “Please, may I play the princess? The glorious, kind, benevolent queen?” she said.

Leo’s career spans over 100 screen roles, ranging from her early days on All My Children to her Emmy-winning guest spot on Louie. While she may feel the Oscar was a mixed blessing, her consistently packed schedule and diverse roles prove she remains a vital force in the industry.

What do you think about Melissa Leo’s candid perspective on the downsides of winning an Academy Award? Share your thoughts in the comments.