It is a ritual reserved only for the very greatest: Those who are allowed to press their hand and footprints into the fresh concrete in front of the TCL Chinese Theatre have secured a place in film history. On Tuesday morning, it was Javier Bardem's (57) turn. In front of the legendary cinema on Hollywood Boulevard, the Spanish Oscar winner knelt down and left his mark for eternity.
The ceremony began at 10 a.m. local time in the forecourt of the theater at the famous address of 6925 Hollywood Boulevard. Bardem thus joins a list of extraordinary artists who have shaped cinema over decades.
Prominent Well-Wishers and a Moving Moment
The actor was not alone at the event. By his side stood directors Michael Mann (83) and Denis Villeneuve (58) as well as producer Jerry Bruckheimer (82). Bardem, who can currently be seen in the new Apple TV series "Kap der Angst", appeared visibly moved.
"I can safely say that I never could have imagined standing here one day at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre and pressing my hands and feet into the cement", he said at the ceremony. "It is an honor to be part of this remarkable Hollywood tradition and to be welcomed among so many extraordinary artists who have shaped our cinema in a lasting way."
"More Alive Than Anything Else"
Bardem became visibly enthusiastic when he spoke about his passion for the profession. The energy that emerges when creating a film together has something unique, he explained according to "MyNewsLA.com". "The focus, the way everyone works together toward a single shared vision, feels more alive to me than anything else I have ever experienced in my life."
That is exactly what he loves about filmmaking, the actor continued: "The togetherness, this feeling of being part of something that is much bigger and more important than oneself."
From Award-Winning Villain to Celebrated Character Actor
Bardem's career is paved with highlights. He won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role as hitman Anton Chigurh in "No Country for Old Men", directed by the Coen Brothers. Further Oscar nominations followed for "Being the Ricardos", "Biutiful" and "Bevor es Nacht wird". His other films include the James Bond film "Skyfall", "Vicky Cristina Barcelona", "The Sea Inside" and "Dune".
Things continue for him on the big screen this year: His film "The Beloved" premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and the theatrical release of "Dune: Part Three", the conclusion of the successful sci-fi film series, is scheduled for December 17.
