First-Time Emmy Nominee Matt Berry Will Not Be Preparing a Speech

As a longtime movie buff with a deep appreciation for the art of acting, I can’t help but feel elated and somewhat surprised by this year’s Emmy nominations, particularly for the deserving Matt Berry. I’ve been following his career for years, marveling at his unique talent to breathe life into every character he plays, whether it be the absurdly quirky Laszlo Cravensworth in “What We Do in the Shadows” or the annoyingly perfect antagonist in an episode of “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”


After years of dedication and acclaimed performances, Matt Berry has earned his first Emmy nomination this week. For Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, the Emmys recognized Berry’s work on FX’s “What We Do in the Shadows,” bringing joy to fans and admirers of his career. Known for his ability to bring any line to life, Berry has captivated audiences for decades. His recent appearances on other Emmy-nominated shows, such as “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “Fallout,” further showcased his talent. Reached in his music studio following the announcement, Berry expressed surprise, sharing that he hadn’t been thinking about awards or acting lately. “It came as a total shock,” he said after learning from his agent via FaceTime.

I had the pleasure of meeting Berry back in 2021, and what struck me most about him was his humility and disinterest in celebrity hype. He graciously allowed us to profile him, but made it clear that we could hold off if we didn’t find him intriguing enough. I, for one, found him fascinating.

In 2015, during his BAFTA nomination, he lacked a definite game plan, yet unexpectedly emerged victorious, leaving him speechless during his acceptance speech. However, this star doesn’t rely on a written list to recall names for acknowledgment. Instead, he instinctively honors those who contribute to his achievements, especially production designer Shayne Fox, a fellow Emmy nominee. As the actor put it, “The set is what transports me to the necessary frame of mind to pull off all those antics.” Furthermore, he’s elated that the show itself has been recognized: “Otherwise, I would have been the sole recipient of this recognition, so it’s a relief to see the show being acknowledged as well.”

As a fan following the storyline of “Shadows,” I’m excited that filming for its final season has been completed. Yet, I can’t help but feel a tinge of sadness when I think about Matt Berry no longer portraying Laszlo Cravensworth. When I broached the subject of this bittersweet experience during an interview, he shared his perspective with typical British wit, “I’m reminiscing over the locations we filmed at and all that jazz.” He continued, “I’ve always admired others’ work but never my own, as I’m constantly eager to move forward.” Dear Emmy Award voters, kindly consider acknowledging Matt Berry’s exceptional talent in future projects.

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2024-07-22 19:53