Ben Affleck has openly discussed the “massive embarrassment” he felt after being overlooked for the Best Director nomination at the Academy Awards in 2013. The actor and filmmaker made these remarks during an appearance on *Jimmy Kimmel Live!* on January 5, 2025, while promoting his upcoming film *The Rip*.
Affleck, 53, was nominated for and won Best Picture for his film *Argo*, yet he was notably absent from the Best Director category. He recalled the anticipation leading up to the nominations, where many believed he would receive a nod for his directorial work. “It was the year, the horrible thing of everyone telling you, ‘You’re gonna get nominated,’” he shared. Upon waking to the news, he felt a wave of humiliation. “It’s a massive embarrassment. I woke up and people were saying, ‘You didn’t get nominated,’” he added.
During the show, host Jimmy Kimmel, 58, reflected on the emotional toll of award season, drawing a parallel with Leonardo DiCaprio’s recent loss at the Critics’ Choice Awards. DiCaprio’s film, which won for Best Picture and Best Director, saw him miss out on the Best Actor award. Kimmel humorously noted how DiCaprio must have felt being absent from the ceremony, suggesting, “He must be so pissed that whatever he got airlifted from—a yacht somewhere—couldn’t be there anymore.”
Kimmel’s commentary prompted Affleck to further reminisce about the snub he experienced, describing it as “maybe the worst award-show situation ever.” He explained how, on the day of the Oscar nominations announcement, he attended the Critics’ Choice Awards. “There seemed to be 500 people dying to talk to me,” he recalled, each one asking about the snub. Affleck managed to turn the narrative around that evening when he won the Critics’ Choice Award for Best Director, beating heavyweights like Steven Spielberg and Kathryn Bigelow.
“This negative event turns into a positive,” Affleck stated, reflecting on the unexpected twist in his career. He also took a moment to congratulate Kimmel for winning the 2026 Critics’ Choice Award for Best Talk Show, humorously reading a sarcastic message from his longtime friend and collaborator, Matt Damon. Damon’s note joked, “You should have gotten canceled a long time ago. Maybe you would have gotten sympathy then so you could have won more than one minor movie award.”
The conversation took a serious turn when Kimmel addressed the recent backlash that briefly halted his show’s airing in September 2025. This controversy stemmed from his remarks regarding the murder of right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot while speaking at Utah Valley University. While accepting the Critics’ Choice Award, Kimmel acknowledged the support he received from the industry, stating, “We do not take free speech for granted in this city or in this country. Your actions were important and we appreciate them.”
Affleck’s candid discussion not only sheds light on the emotional experiences that accompany the entertainment industry but also highlights how public perception can shift dramatically in a short period. As he continues to navigate his career alongside talented collaborators like Damon, he remains focused on his upcoming projects, including *The Rip*, which promises to further showcase his multifaceted abilities in film.
His reflections illustrate the unpredictable nature of success and recognition in Hollywood, where personal triumphs and setbacks often intertwine.
