In 1980, Donald Sutherland made an Oscar winning movie. After that, he “couldn’t get an audition”
Despite the success of *Ordinary People* in 1980, Donald Sutherland said he could not get an audition for a year afterwards. His experience shows how quickly work can dry up in the film industry, even for an established actor fresh from a major hit.
The film received six Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, and won awards for its director, screenplay and supporting actor, but Sutherland was not nominated. He later recalled wanting a role in a dance-related film, which he thought might have been *Flashdance*; a producer reportedly told his agent the agent had a better chance of getting the part.
- *Ordinary People* was a major success, but Sutherland said auditions eluded him afterwards.
- The film won Oscars, while Sutherland missed out on a nomination.
- He also sought a role in a dance film, despite his imposing screen presence.