Striking another blow for visibility, Ben Whishaw took home a Golden Globe for his supporting performance in A Very English Scandal Sunday night.
Whishaw, who also stars in Mary Poppins Returns, scored his Globe for his portrayal of Norman Josiffe (also Norman Scott), a model and former boyfriend of MP Jeremy Thorpe (portrayed in the series by Hugh Grant). (As an aside, we adored Whishaw as a waifish, sensitive gay man in London Spy last year as well.)
Based on a true story, A Very English Scandal recounts the so-called Thorpe Affair. The 1976 scandal saw Josiffe try to out Thorpe as a gay man, which began a war of sorts between the two men which culminated in violent acts. The British tabloids went wild over the story, which ultimately cost Thorpe his political career.
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In his acceptance speech, Whishaw paid tribute to Grant, writer Russel Davies (who also is gay and created the UK Queer as Folk) and director Stephen Frears. He saved his kindest words, however, for Josiffee himself who he commended for “taking on the establishment with courage and defiance” to inspire others, referring to Josiffee as a “queer icon.”
Whishaw dedicated the award to Josiffee, who now lives in relative anonymity in the UK.
A Very English Scandal streams on Amazon.
Billy Budd
He is cute and very talented.
MarathonBoy
He’s oily and effeminate.
Donston
Are these two descriptions supposed to be put-downs?
Xzamilloh
@Donston right????
Come here, Ben, let’s get oily together and paint our nails.. with baby batter.
Brian
He’s rich and influential. That’s what we call womanly now?
man5996853
And far, far more successful than you’ll ever be.
Prax07
Never heard of him before this article…or queer defiance.
jjose712
Well, it’s obvious you don’t know nothing about british films or tv, because he is a quite established actor.
Kangol
He’s a talented actor in a number of major films. Get out a bit more.
ptb2016
Been living under a rock for years? He’s one of best British actors, and has made his mark in movies too, most famously as Q in the Daniel Craig James Bond movies. He’s openly gay, and a great role model. As well as hot!
crowebobby
I don’t know that I’d call Norman Josiffe a “hero,” but I absolutely loved him as portrayed by Ben Whishaw in the film. He is so thoroughly “gormless” (to use the British expression), hopelessly naive and helpless that he is adorable . . . like a really, really stupid puppy. I really enjoyed the film.
Polaro
I’m dating Ben Whishaw. He’s the best man in the world. I’ve never been happier. I may get around to telling him we’re dating, if we ever actually meet.
Prax07
So how “established” can he be if I’ve literally never heard his name nor seen his face on my screen before? And no, I don’t follow any british films or tv, why would I, I live in the US not england. Nor do I waste time watching award shows.
Polaro
it’s you, not him
Toofie
Mary Poppins Returns, the Daniel Craig Bond films. So nothing too popular I guess…
Prax07
Not a fan of the Bond movies, haven’t seen one since what, the 90’s I’d guess. Mary Poppins? What, am I a toddler? And hot is def subjective, not hot to me.