Michael Stuhlbarg might not be a household name yet but that has no impact on the humble and friendly character actor. He’s fully aware and fine with the limited access he’s had so far with mainstream audiences in his film and television work. His biggest goal is to put great work before overexposure but his current project may thrust him into the mainstream arena whether he likes it or not.

Having worked on films like “Body of Lies” and “Afterschool,” Stuhlbarg auditioned for a small role in the new film “A Serious Man” with the meticulous Coen Brothers. He didn’t expect much but was happy just to have met the brothers at all, making the next step in his journey all the more surreal. The Coens didn’t want Stuhlbarg to play the tiny role he auditioned for, they wanted him for the lead instead. Shocked looks were exchanged, detailed rehearsals were made and the next thing Stuhlbarg knew he was promoting “A Serious Man” in San Francisco with me on a windy afternoon. Of course there were more steps in-between but to hear him tell it, everything moved so fast that he’s finally catching his breath and able to start looking back on the experience.

As for the film itself, “A Serious Man” is generating serious Oscar buzz which includes attention headed in Stuhlbarg’s direction. Attention that he doesn’t feel ready for but welcomes just the same. The following audio is my interview with Stuhlbarg in which we discuss Oscar, working with the Coens and his upcoming television production “Boardwalk Empire.”

“A Serious Man” is now playing in limited release.