"Oh, what a shock. My career must be slipping. This is the first time I've been available to pick up an award"

Michael Caine's quote reflects his surprise at being offered to pick up an award. It indicates that he is usually too hectic with his profession to participate in awards ceremonies. He is shocked that his profession needs to be slipping, as this is the first time he has actually been readily available to get an award. This might imply that he is not as effective as he used to be, or that he is not as in need as he as soon as was. It might likewise mean that he is taking a break from his career, or that he is taking an action back to concentrate on other aspects of his life. Whatever the reason, Michael Caine is shocked that he is readily available to pick up an award, and it is a sign that his profession might be slipping.