Michael Caine Recalls Beyoncé’s Oscar Ambition on the Set of Austin Powers
A Legendary Actor’s Recollections of Working with a Rising Star and the Magic Behind Goldmember
The legendary actor reflects on Beyoncé’s drive and the magic of working on Goldmember
Thirty-five Grammys are undoubtedly impressive, but for Beyoncé, there has always been another prestigious accolade on her mind—the Academy Award. In his newly released memoir, Don’t Look Back, You’ll Trip Over, legendary actor Michael Caine recalls a memorable conversation with a young Beyoncé on the set of Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002), where she confidently shared her ambition to one day win an Oscar.
A Star in the Making
At the time of filming, Beyoncé was just 19 years old, transitioning from her superstar status as the lead singer of Destiny’s Child to establishing herself as a solo artist and actress. Caine, who played Austin Powers’ father Nigel Powers in the film, immediately recognized her potential.
“You could already tell how focused she was and how big a star she was going to be,” Caine recalls. “I remember the first day on set, I asked her what her ambition was, and she said, ‘I want to win an Academy Award for a movie.’ Not a trace of arrogance, just clarity.”
The Drive for Excellence
Beyoncé’s commitment to her craft has been evident throughout her career. While she has conquered the music industry with an unparalleled 35 Grammy wins, her foray into acting has also been noteworthy. She earned her first Academy Award nomination in 2022 for Best Original Song with Be Alive from the King Richard soundtrack. She has also been a part of Oscar-nominated films such as Dreamgirls—which saw her co-star Jennifer Hudson take home the Best Supporting Actress award—and The Lion King (2019), which received a nomination for Best Visual Effects.
Caine is convinced that Beyoncé will eventually fulfill her dream: “I’m sure she’ll win an Oscar eventually. She’s already won a bunch of Grammys!”
The Goldmember Experience
In Austin Powers in Goldmember, Beyoncé played Foxxy Cleopatra, a sassy, glamorous secret agent inspired by 1970s Blaxploitation heroines. Caine fondly remembers her performance and her engagement with the comedic atmosphere on set.
“On set, she was totally engaged in the comedy, as we all were—Michael York, Robert Wagner, and the late Verne Troyer, who played Mini-Me so brilliantly,” he writes. He also praises lead actor Mike Myers, calling him “a sort of crazy genius” who kept the cast entertained between takes by blasting rock ’n’ roll music.
Caine reminisces about the camaraderie on set and his excitement at being part of a film that both celebrated and satirized the 1960s. “The whole series was a send-up of the Sixties, and the fashion, and all the psychedelic stuff. Just lampooning the whole decade in the best possible way,” he shares. “So Mike Myers asked me to play Nigel Powers, Austin’s dad, and it was just too good an opportunity to pass up.”
A Legacy in the Making
As Beyoncé continues to evolve as an artist and performer, her ambition remains as strong as ever. Whether through music, film, or live performance, she has consistently pushed boundaries and elevated her craft. Michael Caine’s recollection of her early aspirations offers a glimpse into the unwavering determination that has driven her to success.
With her talent, discipline, and a track record of excellence, an Academy Award might just be the next milestone in Beyoncé’s already remarkable career.
