Alec Baldwin Discusses Career, Rust Shooting and Retirement Plans in Podcast Interview

Alec Baldwin, an Oscar-nominated and Emmy-winning actor, was the guest on a recent episode of The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast. The episode was recorded in front of an audience at the Boulder International Film Festival on April 10, 2026. Baldwin discussed his extensive career, which includes roles in major films and television series.

Baldwin has appeared in blockbusters such as The Hunt for Red October and independent films like The Cooler. He starred in the Oscar-winning film The Departed and the Emmy-winning comedy series 30 Rock. He has hosted Saturday Night Live 17 times, more than any other person, and co-hosted the Academy Awards in 2010 with Steve Martin.

He also earned Oscar and Tony nominations. These achievements span four decades of work in film, television and theater.

the Rust Incident Baldwin has faced public scrutiny from paparazzi and tabloids for much of his career.

A gun was handed to him for a scene after it had been checked by an armorer to confirm it was unloaded. When the gun fired, a live round killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injured director Joel Souza.

Baldwin stated he did not pull the trigger. The incident led to legal proceedings against him. In January 2023, Baldwin was charged with involuntary manslaughter, but the charge was dropped in April 2023.

He faced the charge again in January 2024. During his trial in July 2024, the charges were dismissed with prejudice after the judge determined that authorities had withheld evidence from the defense team.

The prosecution affected Baldwin in multiple areas, including finances, career, family and health.

He described becoming ill during the process. A new documentary, The Trial of Alec Baldwin, directed by Rory Kennedy, covers the events, including footage from the trial. Kennedy approached Baldwin about the project, and filming occurred before and during the trial in New Mexico.