Adam Sandler Reveals His Wife Gave Him ‘The Strength And Courage’ To Take On Role In Uncut Gems Amid Oscar Buzz

Saturday Night Live alum Adam Sandler is mostly known for his work in cult classic stoner comedies like Billy Madison, Happy Gilmore, and The Waterboy, or his major comedy flops like Jack and Jill and Ridiculous 6. So, it’s quite surprising to many that the 53-year-old actor is generating some serious Oscar buzz for his performance in the new film Uncut Gems.

Sandler recently revealed to Ellen DeGeneres on her daytime talk show that he was worried about stepping outside of his comfort zone when he read the script for Uncut Gems. But, his wife Jackie gave him “the strength and courage” to take on the challenging role.

“I was scared to do and then I asked Jackie to read it,” Sandler told DeGeneres. “We do this together and she gives me strength and courage to get into this stuff.”

In the new film, Sandler plays Howard Ratner, a New York jeweler who has a serious gambling problem. And, he says that after Jackie read the script she told him he had to take the part. He followed her advice and quickly “jumped in” to the role.

The Brooklyn native explained that Howard Ratner is a jeweler on 47th Street in New York who can’t stop gambling. He added that the character has a wife and kids, but he’s not good to his family because his addiction is ruining everything.

When Howard is able to get his hands on a rare African gem and becomes friends with NBA legend Kevin Garnett, the basketball player goes to Howard’s shop and “falls in love with the gem.”

Sandler went on to explain that the movie – directed by Benny and Josh Safdie – is an “in and out” of Garnett having the gem and Howard needing it back when he’s placing bets.

“I don’t know how to really sum it up,” said Sandler. “It’s just a brand new kind of neat movie and I’m glad I’m in it.”

Like numerous critics, DeGeneres praised Sandler’s performance, saying the movie is “so good” and the dramatic role was great for Sandler. The talk show host also explained that the movie is something “you get way into,” and it also gave her a new perspective on compulsive gambling.

DeGeneres also pointed out that one of Sandler’s biggest competitors for Best Actor during awards season is Adam Driver for his performance in Marriage Story. And, she said it must be “nerve-wracking” to be up against someone with the same first name because when you are waiting to her who wins the award, and they say “Adam,” there’s a moment when Sandler might think he’s the winner before they say “Driver.”

Adam Sandler said that exact thing happened to him at the Gotham Awards in New York City earlier this month.

‘I did hear, “And the winner is,” and I didn’t move, I didn’t want to fall for it and then I heard, “Driver,” and I thought, “Atta baby!”‘ said Sandler.

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Uncut Gems opens in theaters nationwide on December 25th.


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source: celebrityinsider.org