Attitude Awards 2026: Obsession’s Michael Johnston says ‘I’m so proud to be part of this legacy’ as he wins Film Award
He was honoured by Mark Gatiss at the 15th anniversary of the Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards 2026, in partnership with M&S and electrified by Polestar
By Callum Wells
Actor Michael Johnston is the recipient of the Film Award at the Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards 2026, in partnership with M&S and electrified by Polestar.
The Obsession star was honoured at the 15th anniversary of the Attitude Awards, hosted at London’s Roundhouse on 7 October.
It was Mark Gatiss who had the honour of presenting Johnston with his award, recognising the actor’s work on screen and his contribution to queer representation.
“I’m so proud to be part of this legacy” – Michael Johnston on winning the Film Award
Johnston said in his speech, “I’m so honoured to be standing here tonight. Having Attitude as my first cover was a huge milestone, so thank you for making it so epic.
“I grew up in North Carolina completely afraid of who I was, but telling stories and pretending to be other people, monsters and other weird things, that was my escape, and it became my passion. I moved to LA with a suitcase and a dream, and then 10 years later Obsession came along and changed everything.
“I’m so proud to be part of this legacy that means so much to me and so many other people. The video earlier of the kid, that was me. I was like, ‘Did they have a camera in my house?’
“I couldn’t have done this alone. I’m here with my mum, my partner, my uncle. I have so many more stories I want to tell. I’m so excited.”
“I never thought I would be someone that people would look up to” – Johnston on being a “queer icon”
Johnston is also one of Attitude’s four latest cover stars, where he reflects on how playing gay characters helped him come to terms with his own sexuality. “I used to think it was a weakness, and now I think it’s a strength because it’s just made me more empathetic,” he said.
He also spoke about the responsibility he now feels as his profile grows, recalling being described by a fan as a “queer icon”. “I never thought I would be someone that people would look up to,” Johnston said. “Growing up, any time I saw a gay character on a TV show or in a book or whatever, it made me feel so wonderful, or just, like, ‘Wow, there are others. I’m not alone.’ So if I’m going to be that for someone else, which I already have seen that’s the case, that’s incredible.”
Johnston’s journey to accepting himself was far from straightforward. Growing up in a Southern Baptist family in North Carolina, he recalled being taught that being gay was “the worst thing that you could be”. Now, he says, his sexuality is simply “a part of who I am”, adding that he is grateful to live his life openly.
Johnston joins this year’s cohort of Attitude Awards winners, alongside Donatella Versace, David Furnish, Suzi Ruffell and Jordan Stephens.
The Attitude Awards 2026 issue is available on digital platforms from 11pm on 7 October and in print from 8 October. Print copy available for pre-order here.