Ana de Armas is opening up about the complicated aftermath of her “Blonde” awards run, revealing that her acclaimed performance as Marilyn Monroe — which earned her a Best Actress Oscar nomination — didn’t lead to the career shift many expected. Speaking at the Red Sea Film Festival, the a-lister reflected on the doubts that surrounded her casting, the isolation she felt during the film’s awards push, and the surprising reality that the industry hasn’t treated her any differently since.
The Star Stated She’s Still Waiting for Hollywood to See Her Range
According to Variety, De Armas says the recognition for her turn in “Blonde” didn’t translate into a wave of new opportunities. “Some people feel like it was a fluke, like somehow I did it” she stated, noting that she still feels she has to prove herself with every new project. Even action-heavy roles like “John Wick” spinoff “Ballerina,” she stressed, don’t represent the full range of what she can offer.
Source: Tristan Fewings/Getty Images for The Red Sea International Film Festival
The actress also revealed that the skepticism started long before the film’s release. During early pre-production meetings, not everyone involved in “Blonde” supported her casting as Marilyn Monroe. “I get it — a Cuban playing Marilyn is very strange,” she recalled, admitting that her early accent work was “a disaster.” But director Andrew Dominik, who’d spent a decade searching for his lead, insisted she was the only choice.
While De Armas was grateful for her nomination, she admitted the awards season felt unexpectedly lonely. She was the only member of the film’s team recognized, leaving her to navigate the attention — and the controversy — alone. “We wanted more for the movie,” she said, adding that several departments deserved the recognition she received.
Still, she looks back on the experience with perspective and gratitude. Aware that awards campaigns are unpredictable, she acknowledged that she may never be in that room again. “Maybe that’s the one and only time,” she added. “So I really enjoyed that tiny campaign.”
