'Forget It, Not a Barium Test': Clint Eastwood gets candid about the Academy Awards, critics, and spaghetti westerns

Clint Eastwood, the undeniable star of iconic westerns and modern classics, opened up in a candid 2020 interview with Johnny Carson that touched on everything from impromptu Academy Award appearances to handling the hard-hitting critics. When asked about his spur-of-the-moment hosting of the Academy Awards, Eastwood delivered a no-nonsense retort: "Forget it, not a barium test". 

A Night to Remember: Clint’s Unforgettable Academy Awards Adventure

Clint Eastwood, who usually appears as cool as a cucumber, was surprisingly caught off guard during a particular Academy Awards night. As he describes, he wasn't even backstage; he was sitting in the audience. The producers approached him in a flurry, informing him that Charlton Heston had not shown up and that he would need to step in. "Well, I wasn't even backstage. I was sitting in the audience," Eastwood recalled. This led to an unplanned and unplugged opening of the Awards that turned out to be one of the highlights of the night. "Fine dialogue, they give a fellow," he quipped as reported by Johnny Carson.

On Critics and the $200 Million Gamble

One of the most fascinating parts of Eastwood's conversation was his laid-back attitude towards critics. Even after being labeled as a member of the "Mount Rushmore Dramatic Society," the actor-director-producer dismisses the critics with panache. "I don't say anything to them," he coolly states, putting an end to the discussion. When Carson delves into the subject of his films, mentioning the estimated $200 million in global earnings, Eastwood's answer is both philosophical and pragmatic. It's all about what the public thinks, he says, and that's where his focus remains. 

What Eastwood touches upon next is the uniqueness of live television. Missing the days when "minor disasters" could set in and when actors would forget lines, he believes that's what makes for a good show. After all, a live show adds a layer of authenticity and unpredictability that can be both entertaining and nerve-wracking. 

Finally, the term "Spaghetti Western" gets an honorable mention. According to Eastwood, the films were initially called "macaroni westerns" in Japan. However, the term changed when they were released in Italy, where they were dubbed in Italian, adding another layer of complexity to his already multifaceted career.

In a nutshell, the candid interview from 2020 is a goldmine for Clint Eastwood fans and a remarkable testimony to an actor who has been a game-changer for decades. It’s evident that his approach towards work and life is as unique as his filmography—unapologetically authentic and compellingly watchable. 

(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)