Alessandro Nivola on Playing Calvin Klein in ‘Love Story’ and the Todd Haynes Movie He Says Could’ve Won Michelle Williams an Oscar

Alessandro Nivola is traveling to the 2026 Gotham TV Awards, where his "Love Story: John F. Kennedy and Carolyn Bessette" co-star Sarah Pidgeon is nominated. Nivola plays Calvin Klein in the series, a role he discussed during a brief phone call from the New Jersey Turnpike. He also reflected on his collaboration with director Todd Haynes on the 2002 film "Far from Heaven," suggesting that the film could have earned Michelle Williams an Academy Award for Best Actress. Nivola noted that Haynes's meticulous approach to period detail and character development in "Far from Heaven" was instrumental in creating a compelling performance for Williams. He expressed admiration for Haynes's ability to evoke specific eras and emotional complexities, highlighting the director's consistent artistic vision across his filmography. The conversation touched upon the challenges and rewards of portraying real-life figures and the impact of historical context on storytelling.