Award Shows February 27, 2022
SAG Nominee Benedict Cumberbatch Talks Staying in Character for ‘The Power of the Dog’
“Extra’s” Jenn Lahmers and Special Correspondent Adam Glassman spoke with Benedict Cumberbatch at the 2022 SAG Awards, which he said was a “big evening” for him.
He said, “It’s kind of wonderful. I’m very excited to be here.”
Cumberbatch was nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role for his performance in “The Power of the Dog.” He told us he stayed in character throughout filming, even when he wasn’t on camera.
He noted, “We had a little bit of a break, due to COVID, like the world did, but basically yes, I was [in character]. It was a unique experience for me, whereby Jane [Campion] said to the crew at the beginning, ‘Uh, this is Phil, you’re going to be working with. You’ll meet Benedict at the end, he’s really nice.’ It gave me permission as… a bit of a people-pleaser to just stand my ground as him in every kind of possible way for the brief time I got to try and give authenticity to this incredibly complex character.”
“It was a huge boon to be given permission to be dastardly as he is at certain points in the film,” Benedict added, “to just go for it.”
Later in the evening, Will Smith took home the award for his portrayal of Richard Williams in “King Richard.”
