John Turturro Wins Golden Eye and Confirms Severance Season 3

At the Zurich Film Festival, actor John Turturro received the Golden Eye award and shared insights into his career, his Oscar‑nominated role in "The Only Living Pickpocket," and his upcoming return to "Severance" Season 3. The interview also touched on his collaborations with Spike Lee, the Coen br…

By Felo News Desk · Published Sun, 27 Sep 2026 12:38:22 GMT

On Sunday, the 22nd edition of the Zurich Film Festival welcomed Hollywood veteran John Turturro for a masterclass that followed his Golden Eye award ceremony the night before. The Emmy‑winning actor, known for his work in "The Night Of" and "Severance," took the opportunity to talk about his latest Oscar‑buzzing role, his career path, and the future of his work on Apple’s hit series.

Golden Eye Triumph and Oscar Momentum

During the ceremony, Turturro accepted the prestigious Golden Eye award for his performance in Noah Segan’s "The Only Living Pickpocket". The film, which follows pickpocket Harry over a tense 36‑hour period, has already begun to gather critical acclaim at Sundance. In a candid conversation with Deadline’s Melanie Goodfellow, Turturro admitted that he had never fully embraced an Oscar campaign, but the lead role in the film has changed that perspective. "I love the film," he said. "Being part of the awards conversation helps me think about what comes next, but I’m not a competitive person in that sense. I compete with myself to get the best out of every role."

He was surprised by the positive reception at Sundance, noting that the experience has allowed him to reflect on life, loss, and the depth of his craft. "I’ve lived through a lot—parenthood, marriage, loss—and that experience informs my acting," he added, laughing at the thought that an actor can improve over time.

Severance Season 3 and a Return to Television

The masterclass also covered Turturro’s work on Apple’s "Severance". The actor confirmed that he will reprise his role as Irving Bailiff in Season 3, provided the scripts offer interesting material. "As long as they give me interesting things to do, I’m in," he said. He praised his co‑star Christopher Walken, who joined the show in Season 1, describing their friendship as authentic and grounded in real life. Turturro explained how he helped Walken navigate the show’s complex premise and how their dynamic added depth to the series.

From Spike Lee to the Coen Brothers

Turturro’s career spans four decades and includes collaborations with some of cinema’s most celebrated directors. He first gained international recognition through Spike Lee’s "Do the Right Thing" and "Jungle Fever," before working with Joel and Ethan Coen on "Miller’s Crossing," "Barton Fink," "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" and "The Big Lebowski." His portrayal of Jesus Quintana in "The Big Lebowski" remains iconic. In 1991, he earned Best Actor at Cannes for "Barton Fink," a milestone he reflected on during the Zurich masterclass.

He also highlighted his work with Martin Scorsese, Robert Redford, Robert De Niro, Nanni Moretti and Pedro Almodóvar, noting that he often chooses roles that challenge him rather than those that simply showcase violence or aggression. Turturro mentioned that he has turned down scripts that would have required him to portray violence against women, emphasizing his commitment to thoughtful storytelling.

Future Projects and Continued Growth

While Turturro celebrated his Golden Eye win, he also discussed his future plans. He expressed interest in continuing to work on projects that allow him to grow as an actor and filmmaker. "I consider this award an encouragement to keep moving forward," he said, quoting Italian novelist Cesare Pavese about the importance of beginning new endeavors.

The Zurich Film Festival will run from September 24 to October 4, featuring other honorees such as Julianne Moore and Tom Hiddleston. Turturro’s presence at the event underscores his ongoing relevance in both film and television, as he balances award recognition with creative exploration.

Key facts

Golden Eye award for "The Only Living Pickpocket"
Turturro to return to "Severance" Season 3
Career highlights with Spike Lee and the Coen brothers
Focus on personal growth over competition
Future projects aimed at challenging roles

Why it matters

John Turturro’s recognition at the Zurich Film Festival highlights his enduring impact on cinema and television, while his upcoming return to "Severance" signals continued relevance in contemporary streaming drama.