It’s almost guaranteed that everyone spent their time during the first lockdown watching Normal People. In fact, being introduced to the beauty that is Paul Mescal was probably the only thing that got us through it.
It’s no surprise that the whole world is in love with him, so naturally we couldn’t be happier that he’s receiving the credit he deserves, winning his first major award for the breakout performance. Mere hours ago, Paul took home the BAFTA TV Award for Best Actor, courtesy of his performance as the Irish heartthrob Connell in Normal People. The 25-year-old looked surprised as he took to the stage to collect his award, saying “I am incredibly nervous.”
“I fully was not expecting to be here so I’ve no clue what I’m going to say,” he humbly went on.
Once the shock had subsided, he sweetly dedicated his award to co-star Daisy Edgar-Jones, who played Marianne. He described Daisy as the “best scene partner and one of the best people I know.”
23-year-old Daisy was watching the speech live from a hotel room in New Orleans, wiping the tears from her eyes as he made his emotional dedication. The actress was also nominated for Best Leading Actress, but lost out to Michaela Coel for I May Destroy You.
“I am ridiculously proud of my lovely friend Paul Mescal for his deserved win” she wrote in an Instagram post.
“This is the longest overdue in person celebration ever but some day soon we shall drink and dance and laugh about how crazy the last two years have been and how lucky we are to know each other. Now here are some pics of me on a bike in New Orleans just cos,” she went on.
Both actors have received acclaim all over the world for their incredible performance, picking up nominations at the Critic’s Choice, Emmy and Golden Globe awards as well.
Ed Guiney, who co-produced the adaptation of Sally Rooney’s novel, was incredibly happy for Paul and his very-deserving win. Speaking to the Irish Times, he said:
“All of us at Element are so proud of Paul. The love story between his Connell and Daisy’s Marianne resonated around the world during the first lockdown in a way that took us all by surprise. It’s a brilliant tribute to him, and to his work with Daisy and Lenny, that he won in such an incredibly tough category – and particularly amazing given that it’s his first screen role. An extraordinary achievement.”
I don’t know about you, but I’m off to re-watch the show immediately.
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