Sir Michael Caine shot to stardom in the mid 1960s (Image: AFP via Getty Images)
is one of the best British actors on the big screen, starring in blockbuster films such as The Italian Job, Batman Begins, and Jekyll & Hyde. The star rose to fame in 1964 for his role in the film Zulu that made him one of the most sought-after men in .
Following his roles in Alfie and Gambit, he became instantly iconic for his debonair aura and infections charisma, defining an era of on-screen heroes with his effortless charm. Throughout his decades on the big screen, he has played several recognisable leading and supporting roles, later starring in the world of Christopher Nolan in pictures like Interstellar and Inception. Yet, while he has been critically acclaimed for his countless roles, the actor has lifted the lid on one of his biggest disappointments.
:
The star has never won an Oscar for Best Leading Actor (Image: Daily Record)
In light of the recent , there have been ongoing debates about the true meaning and impact of such an award, with Mikey Madison winning after her breakout performance in Anora, leaving Timothee Chalamet empty-handed.
However, for Michael Caine, the actor was recognised not once but twice by the Academy, winning Best Supporting Actor for Hannah and Her Sisters and The Cider House Rules.
Despite the impressive achievements, the veteran actor was left feeling slightly disgruntled over the fact that he never won an award for a leading role. Reflecting over his awards over the years, he confessed: “I never won a leading Oscar. I have two Oscars, they’re both supporting, which is very nice.
“But I’ve been nominated four times for a leading Oscar and you get fed up sitting there losing, you know? I keep sitting there with that smile on my face, that same sickly smile, saying, ‘Well done!’”
Beyond his acting prowess, Caine is also an avid reader, particularly of thrillers – a passion that has even led him to write his own novels and memoirs.
In a 2023 interview with , Caine shared some of his literary favourites, offering insight into the authors who have kept him turning pages over the years.
He expressed his love for fast-paced, gripping stories and revealed that he has read nearly every major thriller on the market. Caine told the outlet: “Some of my favourite thriller writers include Tom Clancy, Lee Child, John Grisham and Michael Connelly.”