‘Rocketman proves LGBTQ movies make money’ – Relive Taron Egerton’s Attitude Awards acceptance speech
"And to anyone who’s got a problem with that – get used to it."
By Will Stroude
Taron Egerton might have been cruelly snubbed at the Oscars following his Best Actor win at the Golden Globes for Rocketman earlier this month, but it’s been clear throughout awards season that playing Sir Elton John in the acclaimed biopic has meant more to the 30-year-old actor than just silverware.
Taron recognised the importance of the film’s LGBTQ themes at the Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards, powered by Jaguar last October, where he took to the stage to accept the Attitude Film Award for his performance in the movie, declaring: “I cannot tell you what this means to me.”
Taron also used his speech to encourage Hollywood’s biggest hitters to continue to invest in films that put LGBTQ stories and characters front and centre.
“It was always tremdendously important to me that Elton’s sexuality be front and centre – and not only front and centre, but be celebrated, as it deserves to be”, he told the audience at Camden Roundhouse.
“I am also very proud of the fact I think Rocketman stands as proof that movies that feature LGBTQ characters do make money, they are commercial, and I look forward to seeing a lot more studio movies like that in the future”, he said.
“And to anyone who’s got a problem with that – get used to it.”
You can read our recent cover feature with Taron, in which the Golden Globe-winner discusses his sexuality, friendship with Sir Elton and ongoing debate about straight actors playing gay roles, here.