“So yeah, it’s been awhirlwind.”
It’s no surprise the actor was focusing on non-awards-related matters.
And now, Ali’s an Oscar nominee.
The actor took a few minutes out of his suddenly crazed morning to talk with EW.
[Laughs] But I was obviously aware, withMoonlightbeing recognized the way it has been.
So once the phone started going off, I knew something positive happened.
But I wasn’t really nervous or anxious or anything.
I’m still surprised by how calm I’ve felt throughout this process.
You are now officially an Oscar nominee, no matter what happens at the ceremony.
I just get to be the embodiment of that but I don’t really own that.
It’s been a group effort from day one to this moment right now.
I’m happy with myself, of course, but I’m happy they get to share in that.
So what does this mean to you?
[Laughs] Well, let me see.
We’re gonna continue to struggle to find what that balance can be, and so that’songoingwork.
That’s what it means, I think, to be a part of progress.
That doesn’t stop because of 2017 and the Oscars this year.
The Oscars take place Feb. 26.
