But it was the Oscar which established him as being able to play leading-man characters for which he is now famous. For established actors, winning an Oscar may be more about prestige than money. For him it was more about recognition of his talent rather than money. It was the icing on his cake. The rich become richer, the famous become more famous.
Winners get more offers and command more money.
It's a self-fulfilling prophecy. Then I got sent more movie scripts. I was offered more money. And I knew this was huge. Bardem, who has starred in 13 films and is part of a long lineage of actors, is the first Spanish actor ever to be nominated for an Oscar.