Bernard Hiller's international acting masterclasses have attracted A-list speakers, including Jeremy Irons, Al Pacino, Baz Luhrmann and Andy Serkis. But who does he think will win the top prizes at the 2023 Oscars?
Oscar predictions
Kate: Who’s going to win Best Actor at the 2023 Academy Awards?
Bernard Hiller: It’s that time of year again when critics and ordinary Film lovers predict who’s going to take home that golden statue. This year, the Best Actor winner is very easy to predict – it will be Brendan Fraser, for "The Whale." He is a 600lb man who makes us feel what it’s like to live in his body and the emotional struggles that he faces.
It will leave you reaching for that tissue box. Brendan’s powerfully performance is not something that will be easily forgotten by the Academy’s voting members. Austin Butler, for ‘Elvis’, is a close contender. He will not get it this year, but this film has made him a movie star.
How about Best Actress?
In the Best Actress category, I feel it will be Danielle Deadwyler, for "Till." It’s a heartbreaking performance that takes us deeper into the unsettling story of the 14-year-old Emmett Till. You will hear a lot about this wonderful actress in the future.
Acting secrets
What makes these actors so good?
Both Fraser and Deadwyler are truly on top of their acting profession. They took several months to get into the role.
You feel that they’re not playing the part but have become the part.
How does your new book help actors succeed?
My new acting and success book, "The Revolutionary Guide To Acting," teaches actors and artists how to give unforgettable performances. To be recognized in any part of the performing arts industry, you have to make audiences say, “Wow!” when they see you perform.
That’s not an easy task to accomplish.
How does your acting advice help people in real life too?
I feel that your life is a performance, and I’ve included startling new information in my book that will help you give a personal performance people will never forget. The most important factor in living a true life is being willing to be your authentic self.
In this society, that’s not an easy thing to do. You will know you’re being authentic when you feel happy, connected to your inner power, emotional and vulnerable. When you have the courage to stop acting like other people want you to, your life and career will start to flow.
Bernard in Broadway musicals
You’re an actor yourself. How do you apply the wisdom you teach in your acting classes?
I started my career doing Broadway musicals, and I now give masterclasses around the world and coach on movie sets. I believe that films, TV and theatre are important to the social fabric of our world. We’re able to see others on stage and therefore we’re able to understand ourselves better. I feel that great actors are doctors of the soul.
How can we all communicate better in our lives?
We play different roles in our own lives. From friend to father, lover to mother, the roles we play define what kind of life we will have. My book explains that, to play these roles successfully, you need to understand the mechanism of powerful human communication. This is something that we are sadly lacking. Our culture also has an issue with expressing emotions and connecting to our human needs. People are more depressed and disconnected than ever before because of social media.
Upcoming projects
What new projects are you working on?
I’ve written a screenplay, which will be filmed at the end of the year, and I’m working on several TV projects in different countries.
I also have the pleasure of working with top CEOs, teaching them how to give dynamic public speeches. Motivating yourself and your team is crucial to long-term success. Remember, if you want to achieve what you’ve never achieved, you have to become the person you have never been.
