Daniel Day-Lewis

is one of the greatest actors of all time, and after taking a big break from acting, he’s finally coming back this year. After starting his acting career in the 1980s, Day-Lewis quickly rose to stardom through his performance in 1989’s My Left Foot. This marked his first Oscar-winning performance and launched him into a new tier among actors in Hollywood. He built on this reputation throughout the decades that followed, earning five more Oscar nominations and winning two additional Academy Awards for Best Actor.

Even when Daniel Day-Lewis’ movies are not recognized at the Oscars, his performances are often breathtaking. He’s known for his methodical approach to acting and diving deep into the backgrounds and professions of the characters he plays. That level of commitment, combined with the sheer power and subtlety seen in his performances, is why Day-Lewis is one of the greatest actors of all time. I fully believe that, and it’s a widespread opinion. Yet, the actor is also prone to long gaps between roles as he’s “retired” multiple times, as he did again before returning with Anemone.

Why Daniel Day-Lewis Retired From Acting After Phantom Thread

He Was Not Satisfied Anymore

Daniel Day-Lewis made Phantom Thread in 2017 as a chance to reunite with director Paul Thomas Anderson and continue an excellent run for him professionally. But he confirmed his intention to retire ahead of the film’s release. He later explained his decision in a rather honest interview with Variety, saying, “I need to believe in the value of what I’m doing. The work can seem vital, irresistible, even. And if an audience believes it, that should be good enough for me. But, lately, it isn’t.” He effectively became unsatisfied with his work and the way he valued it.

For the last eight years, Day-Lewis has stayed true to his word. That’s notable considering his previous “retirement” only left a five-year gap between his performances in 1997’s The Boxer and 2002’s Gangs of New York. The actor stayed out of the public eye for years following Phantom Thread‘s awards campaign and losing the Best Actor Oscar. While I still believed that there would eventually come a day when he’d come out of retirement again, the reveal that he was back acting in a new film and his retirement was over still came unexpectedly.

What We Know About Daniel Day-Lewis’ New Movie, Anemone

He’s Ended His Retirement For Family

Daniel Day-Lewis’ new movie Anemone was revealed to be in development in an unexpected fashion. Set pH๏τos of him and Sean Bean filming a scene on a moped quickly spread online in September 2024. Shortly after this, Focus Features and Plan B confirmed more details about the movie, including Day-Lewis’ involvement. Anemone marks the directorial debut of Daniel Day-Lewis’ son, Ronan Day-Lewis, and they co-wrote the script together. The only other confirmed cast members are Samantha Morton, Samuel Bottomley, and Safia Oakley-Green.

There are not many confirmed plot details on Anemone right now, but there have been reports that the film revolves around a father-son relationship. That could further explain why Daniel Day-Lewis came out of retirement for it. It’s a movie about fathers and sons, and a chance for him to work with his child. Focus Features recently confirmed that Anemone is releasing in theaters on October 3, 2025. That puts it in a prime position to be part of the awards conversation ahead of the 2026 Oscars.

Daniel Day-Lewis Could Make Oscars History With His Acting Return

He’s Already In The Record Books

There is now a good chance that Daniel Day-Lewis will get another Oscar nomination for his performance in Anemone. This would set the stage for him to make history should he win. He would then have four acting Oscar wins, tying him with Katharine Hepburn for the most of all time. He’s already the only man who has won three Oscars for Best Actor, so another victory in 2026 would move him into an entirely different league.

It’s hardly a stretch to think that Daniel Day-Lewis will be part the awards conversations for Anemone. The release date is friendly for Oscars conversations, and it means he’ll get to make a statement before some of his potential compeтιтion in Best Actor. Timothée Chalamet is one of many hoping to be in the Best Actor mix, but his film – Marty Supreme – comes out after Anemone. Daniel Day-Lewis could already be considered the favorite to win the Oscar by then and be on his way to making history.

Source: Variety