Gary Oldman, celebrated for his fearless and transformative performances in Hollywood, has faced his fair share of career challenges as an actor. Even with his best experiences, some roles have pushed him to the edge of doubt at various points in his career. One such moment apparently came during the preparation of Darkest Hour, a film that would eventually become a milestone in his professional life. Surprisingly, Oldman has revealed that he initially found the role in the film bizarre and almost passed on the opportunity that would lead to his single Oscar glory.

Gary Oldman recalls being offered Darkest Hour and laughing at the gig, only to later embrace the biggest cinematic glory for the same.

Gary Oldman traces his Darkest Hour journey — From skepticism to Academy triumph

Gary Oldman recently spoke with Entertainment Tonight, reflecting on his career highlights and his iconic role in Darkest Hour. The veteran actor admitted that he initially laughed when offered to play Winston Churchill, thinking the part would be “ridiculous” at best. For a long time, he hesitated, unsure he could pull it off. However, per to his own account, when he got into the character, he loved the experience. Recalling his Best Actor Oscar win for the job, he said Oldman was “chuffed,” especially since Helen Mirren and Jane Fonda presented the honor to him.

Darkest Hour, for those unversed, hit theaters in late 2017, bringing to life the aforementioned political figure’s rise during World War II. Alongside Gary Oldman, the film featured a talented ensemble including Kristin Scott Thomas, Lily James, and Ben Mendelsohn, each adding depth to the drama. Celebrated for its gripping storytelling and meticulous attention to historical details, the movie not only cemented Oldman’s place in Oscar history but also offered audiences a compelling glimpse into one of Britain’s most defining moments. And while Oldman almost missed his Oscar triumph, he is now in line for an Emmy recognition.

Could Gary Oldman add a Television Academy trophy to his shelf? His recent small-screen role has him set for history again.

Emmy buzz surrounds Gary Oldman courtesy of his compelling project for Apple TV+

Gary Oldman has secured an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for the second consecutive year in 2025, thanks to his acclaimed performance as Jackson Lamb on Apple TV+’s spy drama Slow Horses. The actor continues to impress critics and audiences alike with his nuanced portrayal of espionage intrigue and moral complexity. At the upcoming Emmys scheduled for a week after the early September Creative Emmys, however, Oldman faces stiff competition from the likes of Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us), Adam Scott (Severance), Noah Wyle (The Pitt), and Sterling K. Brown (Paradise).

Ultimately, from his Oscar-winning turn as Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour to his riveting performance in Slow Horses, Gary Oldman continues to prove his versatility and acting prowess. While his former role helped him make cinematic history, his consecutive Emmy nominations highlight his enduring appeal among the masses. As audiences and critics eagerly anticipate the latter award ceremony, Oldman’s career trajectory shows no signs of slowing, reinforcing his status as one of the most compelling actors of his generation.

What do you think about Gary Oldman’s portrayal of Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour? Let us know in the comments.