John Turturro, a celebrated figure in film and television, recently took center stage at the Zurich Film Festival, where he was honored with a Golden Eye award. During a subsequent masterclass, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Turturro delved into a range of topics, from his extensive career to current projects, including his potential entry into the Oscar race and updates on the hit series Severance.

His performance in Noah Segan’s The Only Living Pickpocket in New York has garnered significant attention, with critics and industry insiders already discussing a possible Best Actor nomination. Turturro, who plays the lead role of Harry, a seasoned pickpocket whose life unravels after a job goes awry, expressed his commitment to supporting the film through the upcoming awards season. "I never really have gone the whole hog with it," he noted regarding campaigning, "But now I’m the lead in the film, so I’m going to support the film because I love the film."

While acknowledging that awards recognition can be "helpful to help you do the next thing," Turturro maintained a grounded perspective. He emphasized that his motivation for acting stems from a desire for continuous improvement rather than competition. "I’m competitive with myself," he explained. "I want to get the most out of what I can do, but it’s not sports!"

Fans of the Emmy-winning series Severance will be thrilled to learn that Turturro confirmed his return as Irving Bailiff for the third season. His character's poignant romance with Christopher Walken's Burt Goodman was a highlight of previous seasons. Turturro shared his enthusiasm for working with Walken, with whom he has a long-standing friendship. "I don’t have to act that I love him because I love him," he remarked, highlighting the genuine chemistry between them.

Turturro also reflected on his critically acclaimed role as John Stone in the HBO crime drama The Night Of. The series, which ran for a single season in 2016 and earned him an Emmy nomination, remains a source of pride. He revealed that he had hoped for a second season, but creative differences prevented it. "But I loved doing it. It was one of those great experiences in my life," he said.

Throughout his four-decade career, Turturro has collaborated with an impressive roster of directors, including Spike Lee, the Coen brothers, Martin Scorsese, and Pedro Almodóvar. Despite his extensive experience, he continues to approach his craft with humility. Accepting his Golden Eye award, Turturro quoted Italian novelist Cesare Pavese, stating, "[He] once said that the only great thing in life is to begin. I still consider myself a beginner in many ways." He views the award not as a culmination, but as an "encouragement to continue" pursuing interesting work that resonates with audiences.