For those who can’t make it through the holidays without watching Love Actually at least once—and there are many of us—Bill Nighy is always top of mind for his BAFTA-winning role of pop star Billy Mack. But his latest performance as a widower facing down death in Living, a new film from Oliver Hermanus, is generating even more buzz. Set in 1950s London, Living is a reimagining of Akira Kurosawa’s Ikiru, and as Nighy prepares for its December 23 release, he reveals his key components to the good life. —Ashley Baker
ALIBI: “My phone’s been playing up … ”
ATHLETE: Lionel Messi. His achievement is unworldly, and his grace and understated athleticism are thrilling and hip. You will never see him straining into the face of a referee or another player; he’ll be already placing the ball.
BAG: I could use one.
CAR: Black Jaguar Mark 1 with wire wheels and walnut dash with leather interior in powder blue. It’ll go with anything.
COUPLE: Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant in Bringing Up Baby. They act so fast.
DANCERS: James Brown threw so many unprecedented shapes and must be the most influential mover of all time. Prince could do the splits in heels and come back up on the back beat. I mean …
DINNER, WEEKDAY: Penne arrabbiata with anchovies—calm down—capers and black olives … and more chili than you’d think is even good for me.
