'Mayor of Kingstown' star Jeremy Renner shared his candid thoughts on winning Oscars, working with Tom Cruise and other Hollywood stars, and his upcoming projects.
- Dec 10, 2024
AceShowbiz - Jeremy Renner graced the fourth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival (RSIFF) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where he candidly discussed his career and personal life.
Regarding awards, Renner admitted that winning an Oscar was not a priority. "I didn't care about getting a statue," he said. "I didn't want to give a speech because I have social anxiety."
Renner's respect for certain directors was evident. He praised Taylor Sheridan and Kathryn Bigelow for their trust and passion, and Ben Affleck for his intelligence and charm. He also enjoyed working with Tom Cruise in the "Mission: Impossible" franchise, calling it a "carnival show."
Despite his success, Renner remains grounded. He believes there are only 12 stories to be told, inspired by Greek mythology. His decisions to take on roles are based more on the people involved and the locations.
Renner is in the final stages of writing a book about his harrowing snowplow accident in 2023. He also revealed that he rarely watches his own movies, except for the first "Avengers" film and part of "Avengers: Endgame."
Renner emphasized the importance of chemistry with directors. "I want to know how a director wants the audience to feel at the end of the movie," he said. "If they don't know, I don't take the role."
The actor values efficiency on set, preferring not to work with directors who request more than 10 takes. "We have other stuff to do," he quipped.
Renner expressed his excitement about visiting Saudi Arabia, noting its potential for growth in the film industry. He believes that the country is on the cusp of a major shift, with the opening of numerous cinemas.
Drawing parallels between filmmaking and an artistic carnival, Renner emphasized the fluidity of the creative process. He credited his father for encouraging him to pursue acting, despite the challenges of auditioning.
"It was worth it," Renner said of his early struggles. "My job is not a job, it's just how I live."
Other notable stars attending RSIFF include Cynthia Erivo, Michelle Yeoh, Michael Douglas, and Spike Lee.
