Anyone who has caught the news today cannot help but be touched and impressed by James Corden’s acceptance speech yesterday evening as the Doctor Who guest star won the award for best leading actor at the Tony Awards in New York!
In his emotional speech, the actor – known to Whovians as Craig Owens in 2010′s The Lodger and 2011′s Closing Time – gave full credit to the impressive names also nominated (including Darth Vader voice actor James Earl Jones) and his partner, Julia, who had given birth to their son days before Corden began rehearsals for the show, One Man, Two Guvnors.
After the speech, Corden described the other nominees Philip Seymour Hoffman (the favourite), John Lithgow, Frank Langella and James Earl Jones – “as four of the finest actors alive”.
Crucially, Corden, also revealed the determination that has seen him hailed over the years for writing and starring in Gavin & Stacey and his part in The History Boys‘ success.
“There are lots of people who will tell you you’re too small, too big, too funny-looking… but the very fact I’m holding this should tell you none of that matters. If you don’t give up, you can’t fail.”
Whether this success means Corden’s schedule prevents a third appearance by Craig Owens or not we don’t yet know, but in the meantime, congratulations, James Corden!
Why are we to be impressed by his acceptance speech? Did he not behave like an egomaniac? That’s hardly a cause for congratulation.
From what I saw, it was a touching dedication to his girlfriend. Strange behaviour for an egomaniac?
I am obviously at the “wrong” end of a very very long stick. I have never been impressed with James Corden. The first Time I came across him was the stage version of History Boys, and there were afr too many others far better and taking in both the eye and the mind at the time.
Plus richard griffiths is the star of that show both Stage and Screen.
and Thus we have endless other productions (not all seen) and TV appearances (most notably is Gavin and Stacy and Red nose/Sport Relief)
non of which have endeared him to me. And then we have Doctor Who Twice. If ever there was the most pointless character in Dr who to come back again it was Craig. They are the bottom two of my Doctor who episodes lists both because they are poor scripts (IMHO) and Mr Corden gurning at the screen.
I really do not see what all the fuss is about. but Obviusly as I have said, I must be missing something as he keeps getting awards and mentions in the right circles so his face fits with the people who give out the prizes.
But he would get non from ME
I have not in the past been a big fan of James Corden. I did think he was good as Craig Owens. But the other thing I have seen him in is Lesbian Vampire Killers and I don’t think anyone garners any great credit for that film. I agree with Christian though about his acceptance speech. what I heard was a humble actor and a loving partner and father. I am pleased to find myself in the position of re-evaluating the man.
Corden is often fantastic, the hate he attracts from some corners is absurd. Good on him for this win, i say!
I loved him in Gavin and Stacey and in the History Boys. I also saw him in One Man… in London and believe wholeheartedly that he deserves this award. I can’t believe his acceptance speech has been described as egomanical – were they listening to the same speech?!