Oscars 2013: Never too old … or young

Emmanuelle Riva talks about her Oscars moment

Leo-Paul Ridet/For The Times

The ‘Amour’ ‘nominee, about to turn 86, talks about a character with ‘a passion for life’ and ‘all this hubbub’ of the film campaign.

How would you describe your character in “Amour”?

Anne seems to me to be someone of strong character beneath a fragile appearance. She is a person empowered by pleasantness and by restraint. She is an artist. She certainly lives out a passion for life, for music, and a desire to share it.

How did you make the character personal to you, and is this character in any way like you?

I didn’t “do” anything to absorb [the character]. I think that I did the “changeover” unconsciously, after reading the screenplay. If I had done it deliberately, I believe I would have destroyed a secret, unknown to me — I would have destroyed that life.

What was the most surprising thing Michael Haneke asked of you during production?

I remember only that I didn’t completely stretch [myself] for a certain nuance in a scene. He didn’t want to insist. It made me uneasy. I did it again until I was satisfied. My surprise was that he could believe I’d be content with almost [getting it right]. On no account would I let myself disappoint [anyone].

What was the most difficult scene for you to film?

It has to do with operating the electric wheelchair with three speed controls. Hypersensitive, I’d say hyper-delicate. I should have gone very fast, [but] I hit the wrong button and stayed put. After that, I started up very suddenly, doing a turn. I could have run into the wall. Haneke was a virtuoso as an electric wheelchair operator.

What’s the most interesting response you have received from someone who’s seen “Amour”?

Many people say this film hit them very hard — a new light on [illuminating] life.

You share your nomination with the youngest best actress nominee. What were you doing at 9? Do you have any advice for her?

I was a student. I loved to draw, to play, write essays, read books, poetry, live outside, run along paths, gather berries, play jokes. Advice? Wow. I would say, be as you were before. Yes, ahead of all these accolades. Keep the freshness of real life. Always be a little girl.

What are you most looking forward to about the Oscars?

I like to be surprised by all that’s going to be — and by the people I might meet.

Is there any part of the big day that you are dreading?

Of course. It’s those unbelievable photo calls! Those really hurt my eyes. It’s true aggression. Why do they yell out our names like crazy people? They yell those names as if we weren’t there in front of them. This makes no sense … If they called us quietly that would be so much nicer.

What are you going to wear? Will you bring any good luck charms?

I’ll have a pretty dress. I prefer to surprise you. Lucky charm? I don’t think so. I didn’t even think about it.

Have you seen the other nominated films? Which do you like best?

Goodness, no! I haven’t had the time to see any films. I’ll watch them later, after all this hubbub. Since Cannes or thereabouts [last May], we were caught up in this huge and incessant promotion — and such a promotion is much more taxing than making the film.

Is there any food you hope they serve at the Governors Ball?

It’s nice for me to think about that, as a food lover! I would ask the chef what he prefers and to let me taste the same thing. This sharing would give me pleasure.

If you don’t get to go on stage, whom would you most like to thank?

Everyone who is connected to the film, who voted for “Amour.” Everyone who talked to me, who accepted what I made of [the film/the part]. Real communication, real sharing of life.

Times staff writer Patt Morrison contributed to this report.

Quvenzhané Wallis embraces Oscars excitement

Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times

The 9-year-old nominee from ‘Beasts of the Southern Wild’ talks about her pet beasts and looks forward to posing on the red carpet.

How would you describe your character in “Beasts”?

She’s a little girl who lives in the bathtub with her father. She is fearless, and she likes to play with animals.

How did you make the character personal to you, and is this character in any way like you?

She’s a little like me, but I wear pants. We have things in common like we both like nature, we both have pets, and we both like pets.

What was the most surprising thing Benh Zeitlin asked of you during production?

The most surprising thing was touching a pig. I had never seen a pig like that, and he wanted me to touch it, and I didn’t like that pig that much. My mom just told me to put my hand on it, and it wasn’t so bad. I like that pig now.

What was the most difficult scene for you to film?

The most difficult scene was the scene when I’m in the box. It was hot, and it had mosquitoes in there. It wasn’t a real fire. It just felt like it. I only had to stay in the box for a few minutes, like five minutes.

What’s the most interesting response you have received from someone who’s seen “Beasts”?

Mostly what I’ve been hearing is that it’s a good movie. Mrs. Obama asked me what sports did I like to play. I told her basketball, volleyball and cheerleading, that kind of stuff.

You share your nomination with Emmanuelle Riva, the oldest best actress nominee. What do you hope to be doing when you are 86?

I hope to still be alive. I would like to still be acting.

What are you most looking forward to about the Oscars?

The photos. I like them. I get to pose.

Is there any part of the big day that you are dreading?

No.

What are you going to wear? Will you bring any good luck charms?

It’s a secret. Maybe I’ll bring some good-luck charms, but that will be a secret too.

Have you seen the other Oscar-nominated films? Besides your own, which ones do you like best and why?

I’ve seen “Brave” and “Wreck-It Ralph.” They are fun. I like both of them. Venellope (in “Wreck-It Ralph”) was always sarcastic, and Brave always wanted to do it her way.

Is there any special food you would hope they serve at the Governors Ball?

I would like strawberry ice cream and chocolate-covered strawberries.

If you don’t get a chance to go on stage, whom would you most like to thank?

My family, friends and fans and first God.