Passed over for years for cinematic escapades ranging from the electric limbo to roller buffalo, Johnny Knoxville is finally tied to a movie getting some Oscar recognition — for hair and makeup.
Knoxville's starring turn in "Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa" was recognized on Thursday not for the legendary stuntman's acting chops, but for how well the 42-year-old was transformed into a creepy old man by makeup artist Stephen Prouty's team.
"What an honor that Stephen Prouty got nominated for best makeup and hairstyling for 'Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa,'" Knoxville said in a statement on Thursday. "Am I as stunned as everyone else we didn't get the nod for best picture? Well of course, duh, but I won't let that take away from my happiness for Steve, Tony Gardner, and our whole makeup team. Wahoo!"
Prior to "Bad Grandpa," Knoxville was best known for leading his band of bruised pranksters, first on MTV in the original "Jackass" reality series, and then to the big screen for three films under the same banner. "Bad Grandpa" opened with $32 million last October and has grossed more than $145 million worldwide.
"I'm very proud of having been a part of this film," Prouty said in a statement of his own. "We worked very hard each day to help bring Irving Zisman to life and are eternally grateful to have worked with someone like Johnny Knoxville. He is a true talent.
"What we achieved with this makeup was so exciting and unique," Prouty continued. "To witness the public being convinced that they were interacting with a real 86-year-old man every day, over 10 months of shooting, was undoubtedly the highlight of my career. To be nominated for an Oscar for work that I am so proud of is a dream come true!"
We'll watch to see if Knoxville falls out of the balcony in his "Grandpa" makeup come Oscar night, March 2.