Ewan McGregor, the renowned guest on The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast, recorded in front of an audience at the Newport Beach Film Festival, has left an indelible mark on the world of screen acting for nearly 30 years. His talent and versatility have made him one of the most admired actors globally.

Uncover Ewan McGregor's Cinematic Odyssey

Early Stardom and Notable Works

The Scotsman, now 53 years old, shot to fame in 1995 with Trainspotting. This was just the beginning of his remarkable career. Since then, he has delivered standout performances in films like 1998's Velvet Goldmine, George Lucas' second Star Wars trilogy from 1999 to 2005, 2001's Moulin Rouge!, 2003's Big Fish, 2010's The Ghost Writer, 2011's Beginners, and 2012's The Impossible. His work on TV limited series such as Fargo (2017), Halston (2021), and Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022) has also been highly praised. These projects have showcased his ability to adapt to different genres and characters, solidifying his status as a versatile actor.In addition to his film work, McGregor's performances have garnered significant attention and acclaim. His ability to bring characters to life with depth and authenticity has captivated audiences and critics alike. His work in A Gentleman in Moscow, a 2024 Paramount+ limited series, is a prime example of his talent. In this dramedy, he plays Count Alexander “Sasha” Rostov, an aristocrat whose life is turned upside down by the Russian Revolution and is sentenced to spend the rest of his days within the walls of the historic Metropol Hotel. The degree of enthusiasm his performance has generated from both critics and the general public is rare. It was this outstanding performance that led the Newport Beach Film Festival to honor him with its TV Performance of the Year Award.

Reflections on His Career

When McGregor first emerged onto the scene in the 1990s, The New York Times recognized his unique talent. They declared, “Not since Daniel Day-Lewis and Gary Oldman has Britain produced such a chameleon. Producers and directors have often praised his ineffable star quality, and some even consider him the most interesting actor to come out of Scotland since Sean Connery.” The Hollywood Reporter quickly dubbed him “the poster boy for a generation.” In surveys conducted by Empire and Britain’s Channel 4, he has been ranked among the 100 greatest movie stars of all time. In 2016, Esquire described him as “among the most important and least predictable film actors of his age.”On this episode of the podcast, McGregor reflects on his rollercoaster relationship with filmmaker Danny Boyle. He also shares his inner-conflict over whether or not to take on the role of Star Wars. In recent years, he has increasingly been drawn to TV limited series, and specifically, A Gentleman in Moscow. This decision has allowed him to explore different storytelling formats and push his boundaries as an actor. Through these reflections, we gain a deeper understanding of his artistic journey and the choices he has made along the way.