Ethan Hawke earns acclaim for challenging role in Blue Moon

Ethan Hawke is receiving widespread acclaim for his transformative portrayal of lyricist Lorenz Hart in the film "Blue Moon," directed by Richard Linklater. This project marks their ninth collaboration and involved a decade-long journey from script to screen, with Linklater urging Hawke to completely disappear into the role, stripping away his own persona to authentically embody Hart. Hawke found the process both frustrating and rewarding, likening it to building a cabinet with limited tools, and drew personal inspiration from his early days in New York theater and his experiences with older gay mentors similar to Hart. The film explores themes of fame, creativity, and the struggles of being left behind, resonating deeply with audiences and critics. Hawke describes this role as outside his comfort zone but closest to his heart, highlighting the emotional depth and societal challenges faced by Hart. He is being honored with the Variety Virtuoso Award for this acclaimed performance.