When Brenda Fricker Left Al Pacino Heartbroken with Her “Hold on a Minute”

Brenda Fricker once had a moment with Al Pacino that left him genuinely heartbroken, all sparked by her calm but impactful words: “Hold on a minute.” This simple phrase became a pivotal point in their dynamic, marking an emotional moment in their professional relationship that has stayed with Pacino ever since.

You might know the face of Brenda Fricker, but her name does not ring a bell. The Irish character actress has been featured in many successful films such as A Time to Kill, Home Alone 2, So I Married an Axe Murderer, and Albert Nobbs. In 1990, she became the first Irish woman to ever win an Oscar, claiming the title of ‘Best Supporting Actress’ for her role in My Left Foot. To date, only three other Irish actors have won Oscars, though Daniel Day-Lewis holds the distinction of winning three.

Tradition dictates that the Academy Award winners are asked to return the following year to present in the same category but for the opposite gender. In 1991, Fricker was bestowed the privilege of presenting the ‘Best Supporting Actor’ award. The competition this year included major players in the form of Andy Garcia for The Godfather Part III, Joe Pesci for Goodfellas, and Al Pacino for Dick Tracy. Others were Graham Greene for Dances with Wolves and Bruce Davison for Longtime Companion. Many had seen this as Pacino’s year finally. Not so.

During an appearance on the Tommy Tiernan Show in 2021, Fricker recalled an uncomfortable incident with Pacino behind stage before the winner announced. As she was going out of the bathroom, she came across what she deemed an old man in dire distress. “Hold on a minute,” she says approaching him, only then to realize it was Al Pacino.

At the time, Pacino was in his 50s, not exactly elderly, but he was visibly anxious about whether he would win. Fricker, assuming he was a shoo-in for the award, tried to reassure him. “But you’re going to win,” she told him, confidently holding the envelope. “There’s no problem with that.” Pacino seemed to relax, and Fricker continued on her way, unaware of the awkwardness that awaited her.

However, when she read out the name of the winner on stage in front of the live audience that opened the envelope, it was Joe Pesci. While Pacino must have been disappointed, he didn’t appear shocked, immediately clapping for Pesci like a good sport.

It is not known if Fricker spoke to Pacino after the ceremony, but it can be assumed that she was not his favorite person that night. Fortunately for Pacino, he did not have to wait long for his moment. Just two years later, he received another nomination for Glengarry Glen Ross and finally won the Best Actor Oscar for Scent of a Woman.