Oscar-winning Hollywood star Susan Sarandon believes getting an Academy award now is like running for the post of US President.
“It is far more difficult to win an Oscar these days because the procedure is as elaborate as running for President”, Sarandon, 67, told media persons a day after inaugurating the 44th International Film Festival of India in Panaji, Goa, on Wednesday.
Sarandon was nominated four times for the Academy Awards before finally bagging the honour in 1995 for “Dead Man Walking”.
The actress said winning the trophy now has more to do about who is backing you rather than actual talent. “Getting an Academy award is great. You kind of join an elite club. But at the same time, there are so many actors in the film business. Now you need to have someone like Harvey Weinstein behind you to get an Academy award or even a nomination.
“People are on the road doing all kinds of different events, visiting different places. It is like running for President. They spend so much time and money. So there are so many great performances who deserve the Oscar but don't have a shot at all,” said Sarandon on the sidelines of IFFI.
Sarandon met Indian actress Waheeda Rehman -- who was conferred Lifetime Achievement award on the inaugural day of the festival -- and was charmed by the latter's happiness.
Sarandon, who has been in Hollywood for more than two decades, shed light on how difficult it is for older actors to survive in Hollywood, but feels she has many more years to give to films.
“I try and keep working until I am not having fun anymore. It is a hard place for women but there are so many actresses who are doing better work as they grow older,” she said.