May 12th 2024.
Steve Coogan's performance as Jimmy Savile in the BBC drama The Reckoning received a mix of praise and criticism. Despite this, Coogan has recently been nominated for a Bafta award for his role, which he considers a vindication of his decision to take on such a risky and controversial character.
In 2023, The Reckoning aired on BBC, chronicling Savile's life from his humble beginnings to his rise as a beloved TV presenter, and his eventual downfall as one of Britain's most notorious sexual offenders. The project was met with backlash due to Savile's heinous crimes, but Coogan remained grateful for the recognition from the academy.
Speaking on the red carpet, Coogan emphasized the difficulty and controversy surrounding the role, but also believed that the BBC's careful handling of the project justified their decision to produce it. He also acknowledged the importance of everyone involved in the production, including himself, in ensuring that the end result was a legitimate and worthwhile endeavor.
When asked if he anticipated the backlash over his casting, Coogan explained that he understood the concerns, but was confident in his ability as a dramatic actor to portray the character. He also revealed that he took the time to carefully review the scripts and raise any concerns before committing to the role.
Coogan admitted that filming for The Reckoning was challenging at times, but working with survivors of Savile's crimes aided in the research and ensured that the process was handled with care. He also expressed his relief that he no longer had to dress up as Savile after filming was completed.
The Reckoning also received nominations in various categories, including leading actor for Coogan and leading actress for Sarah Lancashire. Other notable nominations include David Tennant for his performance in Good Omens, and The Crown for best drama series.
Overall, Coogan believes that the involvement of survivors in the project helped legitimize and neutralize the negativity surrounding it, as it highlighted the importance of examining how such atrocities can occur. He expressed his gratitude for the recognition from Bafta, which he sees as a vindication of the hard work put into the production.
Steve Coogan's performance as Jimmy Savile in the BBC drama "The Reckoning" has sparked a variety of reactions. While some have praised Coogan's portrayal, others have expressed backlash and controversy. However, Coogan himself sees his Bafta nomination for the role as a validation of his decision to take on such a risky and controversial character.
The drama, released in 2023, delves into the life of Savile, from his humble beginnings to his rise to fame as a TV presenter, and his later years when his long-hidden sexual abuse crimes were revealed after his death in 2011. Unsurprisingly, the project was met with significant criticism, given Savile's status as one of Britain's most notorious sex offenders.
As Coogan walked the red carpet for the TV Bafta awards, he expressed his gratitude for the recognition from the academy. He acknowledged the hurdles involved in taking on such a challenging role and the opposition he faced when the project was first announced. However, he believes that the BBC's handling of the subject matter was ultimately vindicated.
Coogan also revealed that playing the role required careful consideration and a professional approach from everyone involved, including himself as the lead actor. He sees his Bafta nomination as a vindication of their efforts and an acknowledgement of the legitimacy and importance of the project.
When asked about the controversy surrounding his casting as Savile, Coogan acknowledged that some may have seen him only as a comedic actor. However, he believes he has proven himself as a dramatic actor and felt confident in his ability to take on the role. He also made sure to carefully examine the scripts and address any concerns before committing to the project.
Coogan also discussed the impact of working with survivors of Savile's abuse, describing their involvement as legitimizing and neutralizing the negativity surrounding the project. He explained that their presence was an endorsement of the process and gave voice to the important message of the drama.
Despite the challenges and difficulties he faced during filming, Coogan is pleased with the end result and expressed relief that he no longer has to dress up as Savile. He also mentioned that the drama touches on the failure of those who knew about Savile's crimes but did not hold him accountable.
The 2024 Bafta TV nominations feature a diverse range of acclaimed performances and shows, including Coogan's portrayal of Savile. Alongside his fellow nominees, Coogan hopes to take home the award for Leading Actor and continue to challenge himself with complex and thought-provoking roles in the future.
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