Samuel L. Jackson is a towering figure in Hollywood, celebrated for his iconic status and remarkable versatility. His career, spanning several decades, boasts an impressive array of roles, from cult classics and independent films to record-breaking box office hits and major franchise blockbusters. Despite his widespread popularity and consistent critical acclaim, Jackson received only one competitive Academy Award nomination during his extensive career before the Academy honored him with an honorary Oscar in recognition of his lifetime contributions to cinema.

However, this perceived lack of traditional awards recognition does not seem to concern the prolific actor. In a recent interview, Jackson reiterated his well-known stance, emphasizing that he has never actively pursued roles or movies specifically designed to win Oscars, a common practice he observes in many of his peers. \"I do movies that I want to go see. I do popcorn movies,\" he stated, candidly adding, \"I don’t do movies that you know I’m going to get an Oscar for.\" This sentiment aligns with his previous assertions that an Oscar would never define his success or failure as an actor.

Jackson further elaborated on his critique of what he terms \"statue-chasing,\" the practice of actors selecting roles primarily with the goal of winning an Oscar rather than for reasons of artistic merit or personal fulfillment. He acknowledged his honorary Oscar, awarded for lifetime achievement, but stressed that it doesn't change his approach: \"I don’t, you know, pick a movie and go, ‘I’m going to win an Oscar if I do this.’ People like that statue chasing all the time.\" For Jackson, the motivation behind his work lies elsewhere.

Delving deeper into his personal philosophy, Samuel L. Jackson shared his profound appreciation for the arts and the pivotal role creativity has played in his life, especially during challenging times. \"Art makes me happy—and artistic expression makes me happy,\" he affirmed. His joy was particularly evident when he spoke of his wife, actress LaTanya Richardson Jackson, and her recent success in the stage play \"Purpose.\" \"I’m really happy about my wife’s play, you know. It’s so good and she’s so good in it,\" he expressed, highlighting how this same passion for artistic endeavor has consistently guided his own career decisions.

This commitment to personal satisfaction and artistic joy is reflected in the diverse range of projects Jackson has undertaken. He has been a key figure in massive franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe and Star Wars, but he equally embraces \"wacky movies\" that appeal to his personal taste. \"I’ve been fortunate to be in a lot of big old franchises, you know, things like Marvel and Star Wars and stuff like that, but, you know, I picked other wacky movies to do… things that make me happy, that I would have gone to the movie to see,\" he explained, citing examples like the cult classic \"Snakes on a Plane.\"

Ultimately, Samuel L. Jackson's career choices are driven by a desire for genuine self-expression and connection, rather than the pursuit of accolades or prestige. When asked about future roles he might hope to play, he responded with characteristic openness and humility, suggesting that his path remains guided by projects he personally enjoys or would be excited to watch as an audience member. This approach frames his extensive body of work not as a quest for statues or ceremonies, but as a continuous artistic experience.