10 Top Actors Who Turned Down Prestigious Awards
3. Albert Finney Says No To A CBE And Knighthood
A phenomenal actor who had a large place in the world of film and stage, Albert Finney is a sorely missed presence. A true working-class hero, he came from humble beginnings to conquer the world of Hollywood and theatre, boasting an impressive five Oscar nominations. But similar to Peter O'Toole he never won.
Also like O'Toole, Finney was offered awards from the British monarchy to celebrate and honour the contribution that he had made to the arts. Finney was always the kind of actor that clearly said what he was thinking. He reported that he never attended the Oscar ceremonies because of the amount of travel time and the fact you can't smoke or drink during the ceremony.
It comes as no surprise with his rejection of the traditional prestige of the acting world that upon being offered a CBE in 1980 and a knighthood in 2000 he was apathetic to both. Claiming that knighthoods are a proponent to promoting snobbery in the UK it wasn't something that piqued his interest.
Albert Finney did not need any accolades, and it is clear from his declining of offers that he didn't want them either.