Jared Leto has earned acclaim for his supporting role in Dallas Buyers Club. Now he’s ready for his career to go the other direction.
At the Independent Spirit Awards, Leto gave the most verbose speech of the afternoon – thanking 40-plus people as he accepted the supporting male honor. He also joked he was ready to do a “reverse McConaissance” – the term coined to describe his Dallas Buyers Club co-star Matthew McConaughey‘s rise from romantic comedy leading man to critically acclaimed dramatic actor.
After his speech, Leto shared who should join him in his first foray into romantic comedies.
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“Lupita would be great, because she made a serious film as well. I’m always down to work with Julia Roberts.” Leto said at The Hollywood Reporter‘s Piaget Lounge. “Meryl Streep and I would make a great couple, I’d have to say. I don’t mean to make the world abuzz with any more rumors about Meryl and I.”
Leto, who is up for a best supporting actor award at Sunday’s Oscars, said getting honored for his work is about thanking those in his life.
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“What’s important is the opportunity to share that moment. That light that comes back, it’s important to be a mirror and reflect it to anyone and everyone who has been a part of your life,” he said.
With his collection of trophies continuing to grow — he’s also won a Golden Globe and a SAG Award — where does he keep them?
“I have them in my kitchen right now. They are kind of sitting next to their vegan butter and the popcorn,” Leto said.
The ceremony, hosted by Patton Oswalt, will be broadcast on IFC at 10 p.m. on Saturday night. Look back at THR’s live blog for commentary from inside the ceremony, and see the list of winners here.
