Vanessa Hudgens on what her future holds: ‘A vintage mustang, kids & an Oscar’

I don’t actively dislike Vanessa Hudgens. It’s gotten to the point where I sort of half-way admire her. I thought she would be a non-entity by now, unable to get movie roles and just some C-lister who goes to the opening of an envelope for attention. And while there is some of that in Vanessa, she’s also been working steadily for the past few years. Of course, she’s never really had any kind of breakout role and I can’t imagine she’s first on any casting director’s list of 20-something actresses, but still. She has tenacity and ambition. But just how much tenacity and ambition do you need before you cross the line into “Lindsay Lohan-level delusion”? Vanessa covers the October issue of Marie Claire, and she says that her goal in life is to get an Oscar. ORLY?

She doesn’t worry about the paparazzi: “A sense of knowing I’m part of something bigger than myself has allowed me to enjoy life more. And not worry about the little things. Like paparazzi.”

Close friend, Selena Gomez on Hudgens: “She’s not jaded at all. The person you see and talk to is the same person I talk to.”

Money is important to Vanessa: “Money was a big thing. My parents drove me up to L.A., which cost a lot because of gas, and took out loans so that we could move from location to location to be close to L.A. The family definitely struggled. They were very supportive of me. They gave up a lot so that I could get to where I am.”

On being spotted at Coachella indulging in a substance she insisted was white chocolate and not cocaine: “I couldn’t do anything but laugh. It’s amazing how people like to create something out of absolutely nothing. I am human like everyone else. I am aware that there are people who look up to me. When mistakes are made, they aren’t intentional, and I constantly push myself to be a better person.”

She’s comfortable with herself: “I am so comfortable with myself – honing in on what I love and what makes me powerful. Things I’ve been doing lately, I’m super-proud of. So I don’t really care if someone doesn’t like it, because I love it.”

Choosing to be happy: “You have a choice whether you want to be happy or not. I choose to be happy. And it’s been working out pretty well.”

What she wants for her future: “A vintage mustang, kids, and an Oscar.”

[From Marie Claire]

Never say never, I guess. I mean… ugh. No. She’s never going to get an Oscar. I am 99.99% certain of that. I’m certain that she’ll never even be nominated for an Oscar. But should we just take that statement as-is, just accept that she has an unreasonable goal? We all have to reach for the stars and have unreasonable dreams, I suppose. I’m never going to be a princess with a sideline career as a rock star. I came to that realization a long time ago, but I can still have fun with the idea. Eh, Vanessa is harmless.

Photos courtesy of Tesh/Marie Claire.

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85 Responses to “Vanessa Hudgens on what her future holds: ‘A vintage mustang, kids & an Oscar’”

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  1. Pastyousayyouneverknew says:

    I think she’s a pretty girl and even though the Oscars don’t necessarily always go to the most deserving, she is so far from that level of success, it’s not even funny. She should be content, she can shop at Free People as much as she wants, I however, can’t.

    • Andrew says:

      Agreed. I have to say she’s grown away from the Disney world Ina good way (with the exception of her nudes, but those nudes were less harmful than Miley’s crap to me lol). She’s harmless, and sure she’s not in amazing films, but she is getting roles and I do think she has some talent. Good for her

  2. Virgilia Coriolanus says:

    Honey, you need to know how to act before you can get to Oscar level.

    Why is it that we see all these young actors (male and female) proclaim ‘I want to win an Oscar’, but then they do the same old bs roles. I’m sure that if they learn a little humility (at least fake it a few months), then they could get a more Oscar centered role in an indie, or go overseas.

    But no, they do the same generic crap all the time and expect us to think Meryl Streep and Daniel Day Lewis made a love child together.

    • Ok says:

      No you don’t. Sometimes they just give you an Oscar (aka Julia Roberts in Erin Brockovich………)

    • Laura says:

      oh yeah, lets see this girl pull of either Shakespeare in Love or Erin B. For real? those two women have more talent in their pinky than this girl does. People like to shit on those roles, and I am sick of it. You may disagree ( heck, i am still pissed about Cate B not getting it! ) , but those roles still were of a certain level and talent plus charisma.

      • Kat says:

        Plus the Weinsteins, their campaign $$$ and their pull. GP wouldn’t have shit, Oscar-wise, without them.

  3. brin says:

    That’s a tall glass of delusion she’s drinking… but you’re right, she is harmless. Good luck, Vanessa!

    • QQ says:

      ROTFL Right? Im wracking my brains thinking; An Oscar FOR WHAT? is she gonna start producing? Doing makeup or costumes… Cause Acting? Nawl!

  4. Lflips says:

    Vintage mustang? Sure. Kids? Why not. Oscar? Not in this lifetime. But hey, two out of three isn’t bad, right?

  5. chloeee says:

    …and I want a pony. yeah…sorry girlfriend. not happening.

  6. phaksi says:

    Believing in yourself and dreaming big is one thing, but she’s delusional. Just like Kellet Lutz and Beyonce, others who have said they wanna win oscars

  7. Spooks says:

    I didn’t have an opinion on her before, but I like her now. I like that she aknowledges that the paparazzi are a part of the business and that money plays a big role. So refreshing from the usual artsy fartsy bulls**t other actors say.
    The only thing that bothers me is the choosing to be happy part, which I don’t think is true.
    And while I don’t think she’ll ever get an Oscar, I’m open to surprises. Sandra Bullock, the Queen of rom-coms got one.

    • TheOriginalKitten says:

      Exactly. If Sandra Bullock can win an Oscar, then there’s every chance this chick can win one too.

      The Oscars are a crock of sh*t anyway.

      • Evelyn says:

        I loved the blind side! I’m biased, Oher plays for my Ravens. I thought she was great, but Oscar good? Nah…

    • GoodNamesAllTaken says:

      I like that she appreciates the sacrifices her family made for her.
      I think happiness is a choice sometimes. When something bad happens to you, after you mourn for a while, you can choose to work on accepting it and moving on with your life rather than staying stuck in it. But you have to go through the sad part. Nobody is happy all the time just because they “choose” to be. That’s a very young point of view.

      • Stef Leppard says:

        I know what she means. I choose to be an optimist and to love my life and see the good in things. Yes, bad things happen and I feel sad sometimes, but I choose to be happy with my lot in life. Some people are miserable and complain no matter what.

  8. NerdMomma says:

    Well everyone should reach for the stars, right? If she said her goal was for her career to peter out until DWTS became the best she could do, I’d be a lot more worried, wouldn’t you?

  9. Bridget says:

    To a certain extent, I’m kind of surprised Vanessa didn’t actually make it farther in Hollywood. She’s clearly willing to play the game… Of course, she doesn’t exactly come across as the most likeable girl.

  10. Mia 4S says:

    Meh…that’s about all I can muster for this one. It’s likely not a serious quote but why do all the ex-Disney girls go right to Oscar? Ladies, look at Jennifer Lawrence, study her. She actually WON an Oscar and was gratef without sounding like it was a lifelong ambition…and people loved her.

    • Bubbles says:

      Yeah, she should do what JLaw did, become one of Harvey’s girls.

      • Rida says:

        Lol. Exactly.

      • Bridget says:

        Vanessa has definitely tried. Every time I’ve seen her in a Marchesa (remember when she amd Zefron presented at the Oscars, or danced or something like that?) that’s all I can think.

      • Liz says:

        Meryl Streep, ‘August: Osage County’
        Oprah Winfrey, ‘Lee Daniels’ The Butler’
        Octavia Spencer, ‘Fruitvale Station’
        Naomie Harris, ‘Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom;’
        Juliette Lewis, ‘August: Osage County;
        Margo Martindale, ‘August: Osage County;’
        Nicole Kidman ‘Grace of Monaco’
        And Judi Dench in ‘Philomena’ that’s the reason he is in a powerful position because he will produce films with female leads and especially will use Minority actors and filmmakers.
        I don’t see many other production companies doing that. But people will read into it what they want.

      • Daisy says:

        @Bubbles: Except that Jennifer Lawrence already had one Oscar nomination for Winter’s Bone, and had already been recognized as a very talented actress since The Burning Plain (her first film). So, yeah…I agree with Mia 4S : Hudgens, if you’re reading this, study/learn from Jennifer Lawrence.

      • chloeee says:

        I think Harvey used the Oscar to seduce her not reward her for services rendered. I think he’s still pursuing her to be one of his, but she seems insulated from all that. people I’ve talked to in the industry speak highly of her.

      • angie says:

        really?*rolls eyes*
        People forget she already received her first Oscar nomination at the age of 20 yrs for a little indie movie called winters’ bones made for only 2 million and not even backed by a big studio, plus she got the Katniss role for Hunger Games and became highest grossing female action star before SLP and Harvey Weinstein.
        Her winning the Oscar was a bonus for Jennifer Lawrence, she was already in a very enviable and powerful position before Harvey Weinstein, I don’t think she needed to become Harvey’ girl like some bitter and cynical people would like to believe and besides, are Meryl Streep for The Iron Lady, Michelle Williams for Blue Valentine and My week with Marilyn and Kate Winslet for the reader, or even Christopher Waltz also Harvey’s boy as his 2 wins was with Harvey Weinstein Company only lol
        Funny you don’t hear the same complaint with these other actors as you see with Jennifer Lawrence.JMO.

      • morganne says:

        right? i always think jennifer lawrence is overrated

      • Bijlee says:

        While Harvey played a major role in getting ALOT of people oscars (what can you say…the dude does deliver), JLaw soooo did not go there. The girl has some level of sense about her. She has joked about selling her soul, but even she wouldn’t go to the very lowest dregs of humanity to do harvey…yuck.

    • Mia 4S says:

      Good lord I know we are about due for the Jennifer Lawrence backlash but did we have to go “whore” first? I mean you couldn’t start with the Oscar was undeserved (it was)? Move on to “she’s annoying”? No you had to embrace your inner misogynist right out of the gate.

      With zero rumours that this happened (the actual casting story is interesting and there were plenty of rumors about the *ahem* others) and her not wearing Marchesa and forgetting to thank him, that is where your mind goes? Alright ladies, carry on.

    • BlueGirl says:

      @Mia 4S: Absolutely, I couldn’t agree more. The path to winning an Oscar involves a lot more than just “I want an Oscar”. Talent and picking good scripts (neither of which Hudgens has mastered)are two that come to mind. Jennifer Lawrence is not only a talented actress, but her batting average for picking quality scripts is great as well.

      • BlueGirl says:

        @angie: Exactly!. I was about to respond but, you just wrote everything I was about to write!…you beat me to it!. So, suffice to say that I agree with you.

    • Wexford says:

      @Bijlee: +1,000,000. I agree.

  11. anon says:

    She is very young. If she manages to continue to work steadily, who knows? Just saying, in 20 years, she could be a candidate.

  12. Saffron says:

    When you’re going to dream then dream big…what does it hurt? Not going to lie. I think she is adorable and loved that trippy movie she did with Harmony Korine…Spring Breakers. She makes a good point about the paps…if you follow her, you know she is hounded daily. She makes a good point: you are part of something bigger, stop worrying about something can’t control but live your life…most celebs are so self absorbed it’s ALWAYS about them. Anyway, I think she is lovely.

    • Nava says:

      +1. Kudos to VH for doing a project with Harmony Korine(Spring Breakers)…Not many actresses would consider doing anything with him, because he’s ‘out there.’ …….check out the song ‘Harmony Korine’ by Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree) it’s awesome!! 🙂

  13. Abby says:

    The day she gets an Oscar, I’ll shave my head

  14. Meggin says:

    Lol an Oscar…. Dream on

  15. Meggin says:

    Lol an Oscar… Dream on

  16. Evyn says:

    This made me think of EGOT.

  17. ncmagnolia says:

    Um. Think she’s overreaching. That’s all I got.

  18. eliza says:

    I also am seeing an Oscar in my future. Lol

  19. fingerbinger says:

    Even the greats never win an Oscar. Peter O’Toole never won an Oscar,although he did receive an honorary Oscar. How does basic mediocre chick thinks she is going to get one? Hopefully she was just kidding and the Oscar she is talking about is some hot guy with a six pack.

  20. Lucy says:

    Uh yeah, the Oscar thing is definitely not happening. I did like most of the things she said before that though, all that about the paps and the money.

  21. Chinoiserie says:

    Best Actress Oscar? No. But she could end up getting a Best Supporting actress nomination one in her 40s if she improves herself as an actress and works hard.

  22. Kara says:

    ….what kind of white chocolate looks like cocaine? Was she munching on a bar of cocaine? Cocaine truffles wrapped up all pretty like those Lindt balls? …what a fahncy dealer….

  23. CatJ says:

    The photoshop mess of her cleavage in the magazine cover shot is horrendous. It makes it look like she has one breast overlapping the other. Does she really need that done!!!??!!

  24. CG says:

    I don’t know, she’s young…there are many things she could still change in her life that would result in her getting an oscar. She could get into behind the camera types of work for all we know. I’m not a huge fan of hers, but I think someone so young should have those kind of dreams…why not?

  25. Chelsey says:

    Aww, bless her heart.

  26. TheOneAndOnlyOnly says:

    What exactly is badass about this delusional cream puff?; Does she realize how much a part of the corporate hollywood system she is – that’s not badass, that’s as others have said, just playing the game.

  27. phillkatt says:

    I saw her in a little-watched film called “The Frozen Ground” where she played a prostitute pursued by a serial killer. I was surprised because she was actually pretty good. You never know . . .

    • Virgilia Coriolanus says:

      Wasn’t that the movie that Nicholas Cage was being a creeper towards her, and she had to ask the producers to keep him away from her?

      Sucks, if that’s true. I don’t know if Cage is a creeper though.

      Was the movie actually good? I saw the trailer and it looked okay–nothing I’d want to see because it looked kinda average and I am way too paranoid to think about stuff like being kidnapped/raped/beaten—I’ll be moving out eventually and I don’t need more ideas in my head.

      I’m already a chickenshit staying home by myself in a very safe neighborhood..

      • Elisa says:

        I saw Frozen Ground too. While the movie itself was just okay (it was a little movie-of-the-week-ish, but it wasn’t a waste of time. I think the biggest problem was the super-obvious lines Nic Cage had to say sometimes), I must agree that Vanessa’s acting did surprise me, in a good way. I’ve never seen her in anything and I wasn’t expecting much, but she did a pretty good job as a teen runaway/ prostitute/ almost victim of a serial killer. John Cusack also creeped me out majorly, which he should’ve done since he was the killer. (that’s not a spoiler). I saw the movie at a special screening with the director, and during the Q&A he mentioned that they saw a lot of actresses, and Vanessa was one of the last ones they saw, and she just knocked it out of the park (they had her do a specific scene in the movie). So yeah, although I don’t think she’s going to get an Oscar, you really never know, she could def improve her acting game.

    • Ms. Petit says:

      I just saw that film last week and while I don’t think that role will get her even close to an Oscar, I was really pleasantly surprised to see her in something different than the usual teen fare. No reason for her NOT to dream big

  28. Veeeeery Veerytas says:

    Vanessa Hudgens on what her future holds: ‘A vintage mustang, kids & an Oscar’

    And I was guessing a career in porn.

    • Leila in Wunderland says:

      Why would you assume that she was going to be a porn star? Because she’s a woman who has- gasp, horror of horrors, grab those pearls- taken pictures of her own naked/semi-nude body? Gosh, nobody has EVER done that before.

      I’m not shaming porn stars or any other sex workers by the way. But I think the assumption that only porn stars sext their boyfriends is a little naïve, ridiculous and not very sex-positive.

      • Veeeeery Veerytas says:

        Normal women don’t release beaver pictures right before a film opening. I guess you didn’t see the gyno shot.

      • Leila in Wunderland says:

        You’d be surprised how many ‘normal women’- and men- take naked pics… it’s not just the celebs.

  29. hope says:

    Marisa Tomei
    Sndra Bullock
    Halle Berry

    Why not Vanessa?

  30. Leslie says:

    She’s a beautiful young woman and a good actress (in “Bandslam”). She seems to be forging a decent career for herself–more so than any of the other females in HSM. I thought “Gimme Shelter” with James Earl Jones would give her some acting leverage, but it hasn’t come out yet, and “The Frozen Ground” never played in my area. I read a couple of reviews that said she was good in it. Right now, she probably needs better management to help her find decent parts and to guide her in the right direction.

  31. Cyndi says:

    She might *date* an “Oscar” some day! But…no for actually winning one.
    My daughter was at the age still to watch stuff on Disney when HSM came out. She and I *laughed* through the entire movie. It was chronic ::face palm:: throughout. The real talent in those movies was Ashley Tisdale! Hilarious!!

  32. nicegirl says:

    I actually love that this gal has a good attitude about herself. Nothing wrong with big dreams and good self esteem, IMO.

    You go girl!

  33. Rhiley says:

    Her smile always reminds me of How the Grinch Stole Christmas. There is just something really smug and fake going on with her. And her over the top hippie chic vintage fashions at Coachella make me role my eyes every time.

  34. Katie says:

    Obviously, people who get into acting have a dream of winning an Oscar because of what it symbolizes, but it cracks me up that it’s always the people who have the smallest chance of winning an Oscar that are so crass about wanting one (you’re included in that group, Lindsay Lohan). I really don’t understand why people nowadays want one so bad when anyone can win one. Like, it’s no longer truly about the performance. It’s all about who’s the best at begging for an Oscar without being too obvious (oh, hi, Natalie Portman).

    As for Vanessa’s chances, I wouldn’t consider myself a fan (I don’t think I’ve ever watched anything she’s done), but I don’t think her chances are nil. If Reese Witherspoon, Julia Roberts, and Sandra Bullock can win one, anyone can. (Don’t get me wrong – I’ve loved Sandra for 20 years and I think the Best Picture Oscar should automatically go to movies about football, but still.)

    • Leila in Wunderland says:

      Meh. As pathetic as Lindsay Lohan is overall, and despite all the things we can say about her, I did think she was a talented actress. But I get your point.

  35. Jayna says:

    Classically trained actresses like Meryl Streep and Glenn Close I doubt ever made such a pretentious comment regarding an Oscar when they were in their early twenties. How cringeworthy to see a little Disney actress, having proven nothing yet in the way of notable acting, say it. Other than that, the rest was a cute interview. And, yes, sometimes you can just choose to be happy (unless you are clincally depressed). I see whiny people all the time, moping (I have been one LOL). I have had crappy days where I was in a bad mood and determined to stay in one, it seemed. I then made a conscious decision to shift my thinking and move into a different outlook and choose to be more positive and happy and it works most times. Dwelling in your negativity can be a habit and/or can be turned around.

  36. MisJes says:

    I’m fairly ambiguous towards Vanessa Hudgens most days, but I was really pleasantly surprised by this interview.

    She seems to have quite a mature, level-headed outlook on life. I love that she acknowledges the sacrifices her family have made for her (and seems genuinely grateful for it), chooses to find happiness wherever she can and focuses on doing what she loves (finding pride in the same).

    I don’t think an Oscar is on the cards for her, but I commend her ambition. Hey, we all have pipe dreams!

  37. Leila in Wunderland says:

    I don’t think Vanessa Hudgens will ever win an Oscar. She’s not a great actress- but then again, nowadays you don’t even have to be a great or good singer to win a grammy, so maybe the standards for winning an Oscar will lower too? Vanessa is an ok actress.

    But on a more positive note, she is a pretty good singer.

  38. sunnydaze says:

    Why is it so awful for her to say she wants to win an oscar? Maybe she will, maybe she won’t, but would people be happier hearing she wanted a life of mediocrity, bland roles in b-movies, and tabloid fame? I love this site, but I’m really shocked in a bad way so many are focusing on her dreams for the future, and the oscar thing. I thought it was refreshing to hear her take on the paps and money, too many stars forget their fame is because of the tabloid industry, are ungrateful or wasteful with money 99% of us will never see even though we bust our butts. I don’t care if oscars are a joke now or whatever, many industries have some kind of ultimate achievement, or at least something meaningful that indicates respect and success. At the end of the day, she’s a hell of a lot closer to winning an oscar than I am.

    • S says:

      This! Everyone is so incensed that she would even consider wanting an Oscar in the future? She’s an actress. It’s her job. Why shouldn’t she want to aim high? She’s young and has a plenty of years ahead of her. She’s happy and grateful for her position, and she’s not complaining. She’s pretty, she seems to have close group of girl friends, has a positive outlook on life and like she’d be fun to hang out with. I really don’t see the cause for all of the negativity here.

      • Virgilia Coriolanus says:

        For me, it’s more that she (and tons of other male and female actors) are just all talk. Especially the young generation—for every talented young (under 30 let’s say) there’s 5-10 mediocre/flat out awful bishes who seem to have all this fame, all this attention, when they’re not really doing anything noteworthy.

        They talk, but when it comes to doing…..

        Vanessa says she wants to win an Oscar, but one of her most high profile roles is her in a bikini for the most part. That’s not art. That’s taking advantage of your cup size–no shame in your game. Just own it.

  39. Bex says:

    She’s harmless, let the girls, dream. I’d rather see her comments in print than someone just about hair, beauty, fashion and clubs.

  40. I Choose Me says:

    Anything is possible I guess. She’s pretty and seems nice enough. That’s all I’ve got.

  41. hownowbrowncow says:

    LOLOLOLOLOL

    That is all.

  42. Flounder says:

    If she wants an Oscar..GOOD FOR HER!

  43. LaurieH says:

    Vanessa Hudgens is one of those people that repeatedly shows in magazines either being ridiculed or praised for her boho style. Besides that, I have no idea who she is or what she does and, frankly, I don’t care. The rate in which people become instant celebrities these days is so fast right now that I can’t keep up.

  44. Caz says:

    It must be difficult for young actresses to hit the big time so early in their careers and then not have the same level of success.

    Whilst she seems grateful for the HSM experience and is lucky to have had other roles since, she’s a good example of an actress who should probably think of an alternate career in years to come. She’s not going to be able to afford a vintage Mustang, otherwise.

    There are just too many actresses and not enough roles.

    Surprised she got a Marie Claire cover. Her agent must be really good.

  45. Hotdoris says:

    I saw The Frozen Ground and she was so convincing it was hard to watch her scenes, she was very good in it. Critics seem to agree. Nothing wrong with ambition!

  46. Crisistina says:

    Oscar? Maybe thats the name of her future husband… or chef, or trainer or sth 🙂