Golden Globes 2014: Newcomer Barkhad Abdi chases down Mike Tyson

Barkhad Abdi, a supporting actor nominee for "Captain Phillips," arrives at the 71st Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton on Sunday.

By Amy Kaufman

Jan. 12, 2014 5:33 PM PT

After walking only a handful of red carpets, “Captain Phillips” newcomer Barkhad Abdi says the excitement of spotting stars is already beginning to wear off — for the most part, anyway.

“Well, we just took a picture with Mike Tyson, which Barkhad was excited about,” said director Paul Greengrass, who was flanking Abdi as he faced the press.

“Yeah, I saw Mike Tyson and chased him down,” Abdi said.

PHOTOS: Golden Globes 2014: Red carpet

“And you got a manicure and pedicure this morning,” Greengrass joked, causing Abdi to break into laughter.

Turning serious, the filmmaker said plucking Abdi from a group of aspiring Somali actors in Minneapolis was simpler than he’d imagined.

“He had the ability to show real soul and tell the truth,” the filmmaker said of the nominee for supporting actor in a movie. “It was the easiest decision.”

ALSO:

PHOTOS: Golden Globes presenters

Golden Globes 3014: Live coverage

PHOTOS: 2014 Golden Globe Award nominations PHOTOS: Golden Globes 2014: Snubs and surprises

PHOTOS: Golden Globes 2014: Nominee reactions

Golden Globes 2014: Five things to watch for tonight

Golden Globes 2014: Live updates from the L.A. Times

Golden Globes 2014: Six moments we’ll soon be talking about

Follow the Ministry of Gossip on Twitter @LATcelebs and on Facebook facebook.com/ministryofgossip.

More to Read

Entertainment & Arts

Amy Kaufman

Amy Kaufman is a columnist at the Los Angeles Times, where she writes the A-1 column “For Real With Amy Kaufman.” The series examines the lives of icons, underdogs and rising stars to find out who the people are shaping our culture — for real. Since joining The Times in 2009, she has profiled hundreds of influential figures including Stevie Nicks, Nick Cannon, Drew Barrymore and Lady Gaga. She is also an investigative reporter and was part of the 2022 Pulitzer Prize finalist team that covered the tragic shooting on the “Rust” film set. Her work often shines a light on the darker side of the entertainment business, and she has uncovered misconduct allegations against Randall Emmett and Russell Simmons. In 2018, her book “Bachelor Nation: Inside the World of America’s Favorite Guilty Pleasure” became a New York Times bestseller.

Golden Globes 2014: Newcomer Barkhad Abdi chases down Mike Tyson

More to Read

More From the Los Angeles Times

Most Read in Entertainment & Arts