Ethan Hawke played the father Mason Evans Sr. in Richard Linklater’s film Boyhood.
Boyhood follows Mason Evans Jr. from childhood into early adulthood, with Ellar Coltrane playing the central character. Hawke portrays Mason Sr., the boy’s father, whose relationship with his children develops as the story progresses. Patricia Arquette plays Olivia, Mason Jr.’s mother.
The film is famous for being shot over approximately twelve years with the same principal actors. Production ran from 2002 to 2013, allowing the performers to age naturally rather than relying on recasting or extensive makeup. Hawke’s performance earned major awards attention, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Boyhood premiered at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival and was released theatrically later that year. It won the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture—Drama, while Arquette won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.