Andrew Scott's 'Elsinore' Performance Draws Oscar Buzz Following London Premiere
Critics hail Scott's portrayal of Ian Charleson in the AIDS drama as 'astonishing' and 'career-defining.'
Andrew Scott is generating significant awards buzz for his role in the film "Elsinore," which recently had its European premiere at the London Film Festival. Critics are widely praising Scott's performance as the late Scottish actor Ian Charleson, with many predicting an Oscar nomination and potential win.
The film, directed by Simon Stone and written by Stephen Beresford, centers on Charleson's final months in 1989, when he took on the physically and emotionally demanding role of Hamlet at the National Theatre while battling AIDS. The European premiere at the Royal Festival Hall on Wednesday night concluded with a standing ovation for the cast and crew.
Reviews published Friday morning have been overwhelmingly positive. The Times, in a four-star review, declared that Scott "has all but secured the best actor trophy" and predicted audiences would be moved to tears. The Telegraph also awarded four stars, with critic Tim Robey highlighting Scott's "astonishing conviction" and calling it a "career-defining role."
ScreenDaily echoed the sentiment, noting that the "sharp and stirring but never sentimental drama" is likely to resonate during awards season. For The Standard, Nick Howells gave the film five stars, comparing the emotional impact to Scott's acclaimed performance in "All of Us Strangers" three years prior. Howells argued that Scott "was criminally overlooked" for awards then and that "this is a performance of a lifetime" that Academy voters should not ignore.
The Irish Times described "Elsinore" as a "bruising film" that solidifies Scott's status as "one of the greats of our age." The Guardian's Benjamin Lee called Scott's portrayal "astonishing," describing the struggle to watch him grapple with his body's decline.
However, not all reviews were universally glowing. Slant Magazine awarded the film two stars, criticizing the screenplay for its perceived lack of depth in exploring Charleson's motivations, despite acknowledging Scott's impactful performance.
"Elsinore" also features supporting performances from Olivia Colman as Charleson's doctor, Billie Piper as his close friend, and Peter Mullan as his father.
The film is slated for release in UK cinemas in January 2027. It is based on the true story of Ian Charleson, known for his role in "Chariots of Fire."