Keira Knightley Reflects on Oscar Nomination and Early Career Confusion

LOS ANGELES, CA — Keira Knightley recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of her film “Pride & Prejudice” with co-star Rosamund Pike. The reunion brought back memories of a confusing time in Knightley’s early acting career, marked by mixed reviews and significant successes.

During the conversation with Pike for “Vanity Fair,” Knightley reflected on the dichotomy of her career at that time. Although she achieved fame through the box-office hit “Pirates of the Caribbean,” she felt that the public viewed her as a ‘terrible actress.’ “Pride & Prejudice” was pivotal, as it earned her an Oscar nomination at the age of 20, which made her the youngest nominee at that time.

“It was the first Oscar nomination of my career, and it was quite confusing for me as a 21-year-old,” Knightley shared. She recounted how “Pride & Prejudice” received critical acclaim while other films did not. “I got the worst reviews ever for ‘Pirates 2’ at the same time I was nominated for an Oscar. In my head, it was quite confusing,” she said.

While Knightley had become well-known for roles in films like “Bend It Like Beckham” and “Love Actually,” she still faced harsh criticism. “I remember the negative reviews far more than the positive ones,” she said, reflecting on her early perceptions of success and failure.

Pike acknowledged the unique experience of working alongside Knightley in “Pride & Prejudice,” praising her commitment and work ethic. The two actors discussed how their experiences in the film shaped their careers and mental health awareness today.

“We both have a lot of self-doubt in our careers, especially at a young age,” Knightley said. She noted how time and experience have helped her address those feelings. “All of those voices of self-doubt are so loud when you are in your teens or 20s. In adulthood, I can talk myself down off the edge,” she explained.

As the discussion unfolded, Knightley expressed gratitude for the roles that have since allowed her to grow as an actor. The anniversary celebration served not only as a reflection of the past but also as a testament to personal growth and resilience during challenging times.