Let’s cut straight to it: Joe Pesci is the man. For decades, the low-key brilliance of his acting has delivered a range of complex and resonant parts, from the misanthropic Tommy DeVito in Goodfellas, to the hilarious Vincent LaGuardia Gambini in My Cousin Vinny.

His performance in the 1990 mafia saga earned him a Best Supporting Actor Oscar. When the humbled artist took the stage, he offered just five words: “It’s my privilege. Thank you.” And all these years later, in an era fueled by the turbulent bluster of social media, it’s refreshing that the 76-year-old actor is still keeping the focus on the craft and away from himself. Even his comeback, following a 9-year hiatus, was understated.