Paul Giamatti Breaks Down His Career, from 'Big Fat Liar' to 'The Holdovers' | Vanity Fair

[@Coco81218]

He was robbed of an Oscar in Sideways. Such a terrific performance. I’m glad he’s getting a lot of recognition for The Holdovers because he’s such an amazing and underrated actor.

[@haniigg]

bruh he wasnt even nominated

[@rambam77]

Agree, should have been at least nominated

[@BruceStephan]

Wonder if he gets Merlot for XMas ?

[@HarleyKatz]

Totally agree 💯%

[@r.c.c.10]

He was fantastic but you have to understand that year you had Foxx for Ray, DiCaprio for The Aviator, who in my opinion, were better. The other nominees were Cheadle for Hotel Rwanda, Eastwood for Million Dollar Baby and Depp for Finding Neverland. All fantastic as well, although I would indeed swap Giammati for Depp.

[@hinhwood1629]

Give this guy the Oscar. His character in The Holdovers was the most fully realized human on screen this year.

[@michaelmoraga2926]

💜

[@jaguarkaboom8967]

cillian murphy

[@ShelbyTeach07]

1000%

[@kwill84]

⁠@@jaguarkaboom8967I adore cillian Murphy. But I also have serious doubts about him winning because Nolan isn’t an actors director. Yes ledger won. And Downey jr will probably win too but there is a starkness.

[@okocha7914]

​@@kwill84 cillian Will win and thats for sure.

[@StewartFletcher]

Absolutely love and respect Giamatti. One of the most understated and most excellent actors of our day

[@chriscarmichael4306]

How can anyone not love this guy? He steals every scene he is in and is just a pleasure to watch in every role whether he is the lead or a supporting role. Billions was always watchable but I'm so happy it is over so we get to see him in more diverse roles. I loved seeing him in the insanity that is 30 coins season 2

[@Weasel_oo]

I literally just bought the blu ray 'John Adams' series yesterday. Can't wait to watch it. This guy's amazing.

[@erakfishfishfish]

It’s a great series.

[@MusicsBrotherCam]

Watched it this week !!

[@brodor6277]

Fantastic show! There’s one scene early on that almost entirely ruined it for me. It’s a tar and feather scene that never happened in real life, and is totally unnecessary for the show, but if that’s the sort of thing that you can look past, the show is just incredible.

[@Stand_By_For_Mind_Control]

I loved that show so much. Interested to hear what your thoughts are about it.

[@arontamas5639]

I love the recognition he receives lately for The Holdovers! Hoping he has a great chance to win the Oscar!

[@jaguarkaboom8967]

cillian murphy.

[@AfroAngola]

​@jars7774 yes it was

[@nicolas.grisanti]

Giamatti is such an amazing and versatile actor, and to me American Splendor not only is one of his greatest performance, also is one of my favorite movies of all time.

[@batgurrl]

A truly original film. I loved it when they showed the ‘real people’

[@Homealone2-n8f]

One of Paul's best roles is as John Adams...He captured the Founding Father perfectly.

[@joeyoungs8426]

He was on my radar at that point but it was that series that made me a fan.

[@drphalanges1520]

Yeah me and John Adams went to Coachella together one year and Paul is exactly like him in the movie

[@soniaalvarado5372]

I absolutely love him. Definitely one of my top five actors. John Adam’s was my favorite before The Holdovers but it’s too difficult to pick a favorite overall.

[@carleakins2153]

When I saw Private Parts for the first time, I had no idea who he was, but his intensity had me hooked. I've been a fan of his ever since. Seems like a nice guy.

[@TheBluRayCritic]

Truly, one of the greatest actors in the business. Sideways will forever be my favorite film of all time.

[@Sara-hhhh]

The chemistry between Paul and Thomas Haden Church in sideways is 1 in million. lightning in a bottle. Thank goodness they didn’t hire movie stars for the pair.

[@joansmith69]

John Adams is such a power house of acting, and it's a must watch for everyone.

[@LarissaFay]

I wish we heard about 'Lady in the Water' it is a gorgeous thought-provoking film. Paul Giamatti makes me cry playing Cleveland, that film made me look out for other performances of his.

[@joyejohnsonauthor]

Agreed! Everyone's acting was great in that film (except Shyamalan's of course)

[@TaliesinBHeidkamp]

Yes! I know a lot of people hate that movie but it's my favourite of all time and I would love to hear his thoughts on it

[@nancymescon5836]

yes!!! He was so great in the film!

[@mattbernabe]

How dare they pass over 'Private Parts' in'97. That was the role that gave Giamatti some notice, and he was great in the movie. "WNnnnnnnBC"

[@hrs2044]

I love Private Parts, that movie's my faaaavorite.

[@KillaTbone1]

Yeah all the support Howard has given him over the years. I didn’t expect this.

[@devendeven6256]

A real baba-blunder

[@Entertainment-os4ig]

Hey now

[@justayoutuber1906]

That end part with the credits makes me laugh every time!

[@scaredlobstero]

Wasn't really acquainted with his voice before this , its super relaxing to hear

[@meo21626]

Noticed that as well, very soothing

[@robinreder6510]

He narrated a PBS nature show, the Woodpecker; the Hole Story. It was wonderful to listen to his soothing voice for an hour talking about birds

[@joshgts9675]

@@robinreder6510 The hole story....Lol. I love it.

[@ald.3387]

One of the best and consistent actors. All his performances are outstanding. Gotta binge John Adams again.

[@angelstar7656]

Iits Mother's Day 2024 and I just finished watching The Holdovers on Amazon Prime. I have been shedding tears for at least 40 minutes. I totally get why Paul won. This honor was so well deserved. He did an amazing job in this project.

[@eustacetuberson4375]

Paul Giamatti said in an interview with Josh Horowitz that he wants to play a rival detective to Benoit Blanc in the next _Knives Out_ film. Get on it, Rian Johnson!

[@Dogy0909]

That would be AMAZING

[@GuineaPigEveryday]

I love that he mentioned The Negotiator, on the surface just another star-vehicle action-thriller but one of my favourite films to watch when im bored, and Paul is so funny and entertaining in it for the short time he’s on-screen, great back-and-forth with Samuel L Jackson

[@seancorrigan7448]

He was perfect in "Sideways". What a great actor.

[@Mo_Ketchups]

I’ve sincerely daydreamed for years I could one day convey to him the life-changing impact his Pinot soliloquy in “Sideways” had on THIS slob’s life. 🤔 No joke. To this day, THAT scene (written by AP, NOT by Pickett) is thee single best acting performance of my five decades of avid film-watching. I made a critical relationship decision based on the profundity of the writing/unwitting self-metaphor and delivery by Paul. I’ll forever hold him (& A. Payne) on a pedestal for that ONE SCENE-a _real_ masterpiece. 🙏🤟

[@meo21626]

I’ll have to see that again

[@gloss6969]

i wish people spoke about his role in love & mercy more, such a terrifying performance

[@MontaguStudios]

Yes, I'm surprised both GQ and Vanity Fair failed to talk about Love & Mercy. Do they hate that movie because I sure don't.

[@_JellyWalker]

Underrated movie. Paul Dano and Elizabeth Banks are great in it too.

[@batgurrl]

Paul Giamatti is very underrated as an actor and can excel at both comedy and drama. I adore the film Sideways. I’m not drinking any fu**ing Merlot.❤️

[@ithanglow]

He’s not at all underrated. He’s been a respected actor for years and literally just won a Golden Globe lol Why do people throw the word “underrated” around so much nowadays?

[@batgurrl]

@@ithanglow please stop nitpicking, Golden Globes aren’t very meaningful. Oscars and Emmys ARE

[@ZoranaV7]

I think he should get even more meaningful roles, as himself says, he would like to play a Bond villain, so I really think he will nail it :)

[@batgurrl]

@@ZoranaV7 agreed and things like THAT are why i say he is underrated

[@Vic-Vega]

If anything, he's OVERrated at this point!!

[@slicktheslickster]

It's guys like this that make me think I could make it as an actor...even today.

[@kidswidcrayons]

I will not rest until someone acknowledges The Negotiator

[@anthonys.8569]

He's been in some amazing films no doubt

[@NipItInTheBud100]

Has he been in some amazing films or has he made some films amazing??

[@ShiivaWilding]

Leaving out 'The Illusionist' and his small but significant part in 'Downton Abbey' is a real shame, would welcome a part two!

[@thisisit2082]

Yes on Downton. He was absolutely fantastic in his arc.

[@CatelynnMarie]

Makes me happy to see some love for The Illusionist. Excellent film

[@Drelam]

Started rewatching John Adams for like the 4th time yesterday, and then I see this pop up on youtube. Anyways Paul Giamatti is such a great actor, he elevates any media he's in.

[@am_i_elliot]

His voice is a incredibly comforting! He would be perfect for some audio books

[@davidcoxon4710]

AMAZING 😂😂😂 I think he uses that word more than me and that's like....totally amazing!!! What a guy! One of Hollywood's true gentlemen. Straight down the line lovely, down to earth guy. I love Payne's movies and his turn in Sideway's will always be my favourite but I need to watch a lot more of his stuff. This is a brilliant short on a great actor and all round great bloke.

[@Alienkiwi730]

Sideways was fantastic. Also probably Thomas Hayden Church's best role

[@jeffreyscottfishman]

Does anybody remember him making a 1 minute cameo at the end of Spiderman? He was the Rhino. They never went anywhere with it for the next Spiderman but just seeing his face put a smile on mine. My favorite.....Sideways 100% 🙂

[@danielgudinojuarez6729]

About time we had a Giamatti theme vid!!! 😁😁😁

[@bannnnner]

The Holdovers and Sideways nestled together in my top 3 movies of all time. 😅

[@hibryd7481]

I like Paul Giamatti, it was nice Vanity Fair got to speak with him even though they only had access to a library to conduct in the interview in.

[@brucejackson6451]

Paul Giamatti is so fun to watch, I wish this had gone on for an hour. It’s too bad he didn’t talk about the Ides of March, I’d love his take on working with the equally great Phillip Seymour Hoffman. After watching it I thought, “The whole movie should be about those two guys. Forget the movie stars and just focus on those guys. Well, maybe someday they’ll make another movie together just the two of them.” It wasn’t to be.

[@Agent-wn7le]

He’s funny! I love his voice!!

[@TimDaley]

How can you do a feature like this and not mention Private Parts, the role that launched his career?

[@hrs2044]

Seriously, that was the only reason I clicked on the video. What a letdown 😂

[@ramontrevi10]

Give him the Oscar already!

[@GizmoBeach]

He was a bit then a character actor in a number of things but starring in American Splendor catapulted him to Discerning Film-watchers Stardom thanks to a breakout, magnificent performance. He cemented that reputation in Sideways the very next year.

[@herrdwabash]

Too bad he skipped "Love and Mercy." He was amazing as Dr. Eugene Landy. Brian Wilson said his performance terrified him because it was so accurate!

[@Serken523]

Warmed my heart hearing he’s a horror fan. He’s also excellent in the John Dies at the end movie

[@masterofallgoons]

Producers take note: Giamatti wants to play a Bond villain, and he loves horror (if only Coscarelli could get Bubba Nosferatu going.. alas).

[@Stand_By_For_Mind_Control]

If we can get a Dan Stevens James Bond with Giamatti as a villain I might re-think my 'Brosnan was the best Bond' stance lol.

[@isabelled.7732]

He’s had SUCH a versatile career. So underrated.

[@DarMar106]

I met winemaker in Paso Robles, where Sideways was filmed. He told me that because of that Merlot line; Merlot sales plummeted lol

[@nancymescon5836]

WIN WIN was amazing!!!

[@tyr0n313]

“Duets” is my favorite movie of his. I wish they would have covered it here.

[@billlonee9470]

I've watched a lot of these, and Paul might just be the most interesting of the bunch. I wish he'd gone on longer and talked about more of his career. Oh, and he really wants to play a Bond villain. Someone should make that happen.

[@evilscience13]

Shout out to any fans of The Chris Gethard Show watching this video and remembering one of the best and lesser-known moments in television history

[@andys7937]

One of my favourite actors. A real talent, down to earth and funny. Sideways is in my top 10 best movies. He is also brilliant in Private Parts and The Illusionist.

[@WizZWotted]

One of the most underrated actors

[@JenBriSeth]

LOVE this guy.

[@MrDewynter]

He's fantastic in 30 Coins. Hope there's a third season!

[@roneteus]

Generational talent.

[@stevennieves3327]

I love Cillian Murphy and I'll be very happy if he wins the Oscar for "Oppenheimer" but I REALLY want Paul to win for "The Holdovers". He was awesome and how great would it be for a Christmas movie to win in two major categories? (Da'Vine Joy Randolph is 100% winning Best Supporting Actress for the film).

[@stephenm8725]

He was fantastic in Straight Outta Compton

[@Elitist20]

Another president he played - voicing Theodore Roosevelt in Ken Burns' documentary series: 'Speak softly and carry a big stick - you will go far.'

[@alexdelargesupertramp]

Why didn’t they show Private Parts??

[@Sithari66]

How did they skip Private Parts?

[@nl3064]

Anyone remember Cold Souls? Not a great movie or anything notable, but for some reason that's always one of the first Paul Giamatti movies I think about.

[@orbitalflux]

I love that movie.

[@jacobdockter3436]

really enjoyed the holdovers

[@simple_naildesigns]

Amazing actor!

[@wharsmetoothpicson9465]

They skipped over it here but I really like him in The Negotiator

[@Ward413]

Such a great movie.

[@GuineaPigEveryday]

same, love that movie, kind of forgotten becuz it looks like ‘just another’ action thriller but its very entertaining and exciting, and Paul Giamatti has some really funny back-and-forth with Samuel L Jackson, he’s very memorable in it

[@metrostephen53]

Lodge 49 is amazing. I really wish it could have got more seasons 😢

[@rnadomj]

How could you not ask him about the illusionist

[@Thenewboidahlia]

THANK YOU! Came here to say this as well

[@YouFightLikeACow]

Wish he could talk about Lady in the Water. I know it gets flak, but I'd love to hear his thoughts.

[@LarissaFay]

I have no idea why it gets 'flak', Lady in the Water is a stunning emotional film. 💖

[@rozembergbarbosa24]

i am completely crazy but i have memories of Paul Giamatti in My Best Friend' Wedding in a small part with Julia Robert

[@djd.a.v.e.4836]

He had a bit part in the 1992 film SINGLES starring Matt Dillon & Bridget Fonda.

[@johng6565]

I wish he talked about John Dies At The End. It's such a bizarre movie and I love it

[@magicknight13]

He is the best!!! ❤

[@muyspicypepper8258]

They never bring up his role on Rock of Ages on these things and i really wanna hear him talk about that one lol

[@Jamie_Winsh]

Oh i wish he talked about San Andreas and The Amazing Spiderman 2. I love both those movies! And him in them

[@geoafe66]

The Holdovers is great

[@jessyjulie5506]

I love his speaking voice.

[@cuatro336]

The fact that he didnt get an award of some kind for his portrayal of John Adams is an absolute crime.

[@arontamas5639]

I'm sad Barney's version was not mentioned, it's one of his most remarkable performances....

[@az7500]

Illusionist, Private parts, Donnie Brasco. Giomatti made memorable so many movies

[@lloydbarker]

Great interview but wish there had been comments on PRIVATE PARTS, DONNIE BASCO “Fuhgeddaboutit” & WIN/WIN. When he did AMERICAN SPLENDOR & SIDEWAYS back to back, he hit the heights. Two outstanding films back to back. SPLENDOR is one of my 10 favorite all time movies.

[@inmaculadaconcepcion1600]

😍✨PAUL Giamatti takes one on a journey eVery time, THANK 🌷🌻🌹. ✨🙏🏽💖💞💕

[@vickybhatnagar6479]

Surprised they/he didn't include The Illusionist!! I think he played a fantastic role of the inspector.

[@DavidMudge]

Missing his role in Duets that's where I first became aware of him and thought he was awesome in that role

[@CatJabZ]

He's just the best! Lodge and Coins are so underrated.

[@spiritranger9202]

I'm surprised people didn't like planet of the apes 😮 It was on rotation in my house as a kid, we all loved it 😂

[@MathiasDemo]

I wanted to hear him talk about Lady in the Water. :(

[@leonardmarinacci4303]

Duets made me a fan of his.

[@MichaelBoltonsEntireCatalog]

Missing Private Parts. "Dubya enn-be-see!" Sideways and American Splendor is gold, though.

[@rockyroad1223]

Loved him in Win Win!

[@charlesscott6582]

It's either Paul or Cillian that's gonna win best actor at this year's Oscars. Watch.

[@helmutschmitt4504]

I loved him as a potential best supporting actor in the Illusionist. He stole that movie. I cant believe they skipped it in this breakdown.

[@ralphterry5072]

How do you just pass over Private Parts. That's the role that really put him on the map

[@ElmerTheLegoGeek]

What about Rock Of Ages, Turbo, and TASM 2?

[@mauriceortiz8817]

Amazing career .

[@davidglow3]

Sideways is truly a great film

[@dddon513]

Everything and everyone: amazing!

[@maya-ci2py]

I'm so mad they didn't talk about him in big momma☠️😭😭

[@mehmetcemiltekbas4231]

Where is “The Illusionist”?

[@MIXMASTERRFS3]

He voices Story Lord in Rick and Morty!

[@timstarockz]

Honestly felt like the timeline at the beginning of the video was going to go on forever lol

[@donna.mckirdy1514]

I enjoy his movies,, !ike John Adams but now Holdover is the top one. Hope you win the Oscar. A fan.