It’s Absurd That Ethan Hawke Didn’t Get an Oscar Nomination for This Brilliant 2010s Drama You Can Watch for Free

It’s Absurd That Ethan Hawke Didn’t Get an Oscar Nomination for This Brilliant 2010s Drama

Ethan Hawke delivered a remarkable performance as Reverend Toller in Paul Schrader’s 2018 film, First Reformed, yet he was overlooked for an Oscar nomination. For over 30 years, Hawke has proven himself a versatile and dependable actor across various genres and production scales.

Known as an archetypal character actor with the appeal of a movie star, Hawke’s recent roles in 2025’s Black Phone 2 and Richard Linklater's Blue Moon showcase his range—whether as a horror villain, action hero, or lead in an auteur director’s project. As a relatable everyman with a touch of sophistication, Hawke’s career has evolved impressively, highlighted by the decades-long journey of Linklater’s Before trilogy.

Hawke’s Career Highlight: First Reformed

His performance in First Reformed stands as a career-defining moment, portraying a troubled church pastor wrestling with inner demons in upstate New York. Collaborating with Paul Schrader, a master of complex character studies, Hawke gave a haunting and fiery portrayal that made the film one of the finest dramas of the 2010s.

"He was rudely snubbed of an Oscar nomination despite proverbially setting the screen on fire with his simmering rage and haunted aura."

Adding to the perplexity of Hawke’s omission, First Reformed marked Paul Schrader’s first-ever Oscar nomination in his long career, receiving only a nod for Best Original Screenplay.

Context and Impact

Ethan Hawke’s versatility has been proven for over three decades, seamlessly moving between roles in multiple genres.
First Reformed is regarded as a masterpiece, dealing powerfully with themes of personal despair and global environmental fear.
Hawke’s omission highlights frequent industry oversights despite critical acclaim and standout performances.

Author’s Summary

Ethan Hawke’s unforgettable turn in First Reformed showcases his depth and talents, making his lack of Oscar recognition an inexplicable omission in a standout decade for cinema.

Collider — 2025-11-06