Stan was nominated twice: for best performance by a male actor in a motion picture – drama, for his role as Donald Trump in “The Apprentice”; and for best performance by a male actor in a motion picture – musical or comedy, for his role as Edward in “A Different Man.”
You’re a double nominee. How do you feel?
I’m sort of stunned. This is such a great morning. Both films have had such interesting, difficult journeys. We did “A Different Man” two years ago, and it got shelved because of the strike. The fact that we’re still here … and “Apprentice” was a film trying to be made for five years. This is extremely humbling and gratifying.
Now that the noise of the general election is over, what do you hope people take away from a film like “The Apprentice”?
Our goal is always insight. As creatives, we owe due diligence to the times we are in. To ask uncomfortable questions and remain curious. If the election showed us anything, we need to try to understand this figure [Donald Trump] in a more complex way than we have so far. Usually, we confront history after the fact. But, we have a chance to do so on its nose as it’s happening. I hope people have more permission to look at this movie. Today reflects that it can move on in a more public way where people can see it without fear. We should be weary of fear.
How will you celebrate?
I gotta call my mom.
