Ellen Burstyn on Going for the EGOT With Her Favorite Poems and Being Over ‘The Exorcist’: ‘It’s Enough Already’

Ellen Burstyn, the iconic actress with a career spanning over six decades, is on the cusp of a historic achievement that would add yet another distinguished accolade to her extensive collection. At 93 years old, Burstyn stands a chance to complete the coveted EGOT—winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony—through her recent nomination for a Grammy Award in the category of best audiobook, narration, and storytelling recording.

This potential Grammy nod comes from her audiobook of "Poetry Says It Better: Poems to Help You Wake Up," a personal anthology she compiled and narrated. The collection, released in April by HarperCollins, gathers poems that have profoundly influenced her life, ranging from classic poets like Edna St. Vincent Millay and William Ernest Henley to contemporary voices such as Mary Oliver and Rumi. Burstyn's heartfelt narration, spanning over five hours, has garnered critical acclaim, earning both a Kirkus Star and an Earphones Award.

Should Burstyn secure the Grammy, she would become the oldest individual to achieve an EGOT, surpassing the previous record held by John Gielgud, who was 87 at the time of his completion. This would also make her only the seventh woman to join this elite group, following luminaries such as Helen Hayes, Rita Moreno, and Viola Davis. Burstyn’s granddaughter played a role in bringing this milestone into focus, encouraging her to embrace the prospect of adding the Grammy to her already impressive array of accolades.

Burstyn's existing achievements are formidable. She earned her Academy Award for Best Actress in 1975 for her role in "Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore," the same year she won a Tony Award for "Same Time, Next Year." Her Emmy wins came later in her career, highlighting her versatility with performances in "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and "Political Animals." Most recently, she was honored with the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Film Festival in September, an award presented during the screening of Maggie Gyllenhaal’s short film "Flesh Impact," in which Burstyn portrays Marilyn Monroe.

Reflecting on her journey, Burstyn reveals a candid perspective on her career. While she acknowledges her numerous awards and extensive body of work, she expresses some regret about not having engaged more deeply with certain theatrical roles, especially in the realm of classical and great plays. Her dedication to craft was shaped in part by her studies with Lee Strasberg in New York, which she credits with teaching her that true creativity must arise from the heart.

Burstyn’s passion for poetry is deeply personal and longstanding. She recalls encountering William Ernest Henley’s "Invictus" during her high school years, a poem that offered solace and strength during challenging times. This early connection ignited a lifelong love of poetry, which she now shares with audiences through her book and its accompanying audio recording. She believes poetry gains a richer dimension when heard aloud, underscoring the importance of the audiobook format.

Despite her acclaim, Burstyn remains humble and introspective about her legacy. She views her shelf of trophies not purely as symbols of success but as markers along a career path she sometimes wishes had taken different turns. Nevertheless, her enthusiasm for ongoing creative endeavors remains undiminished.

Turning to contemporary developments, Burstyn expressed a desire to move past the legacy of "The Exorcist," the film that brought her early fame over 53 years ago. With a new installment, "The Exorcist: Martyrs," set to premiere next year, she conveyed a sentiment that the story has been sufficiently explored.

Burstyn’s potential Grammy recognition represents more than just a personal milestone; it signifies a celebration of artistic versatility and enduring relevance. Her journey exemplifies a rare commitment to evolving as an artist, embracing new forms of expression, and connecting with audiences across multiple generations through both performance and poetry.

As the Recording Academy’s decision approaches, Burstyn’s work encourages listeners not only to read poetry but to experience its resonance through voice, affirming her belief in the power of spoken word to inspire and awaken the spirit.