{"id":22857,"date":"2022-02-25T02:14:57","date_gmt":"2022-02-25T08:14:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/tvmeg.com\/?p=22857"},"modified":"2022-02-25T02:24:25","modified_gmt":"2022-02-25T08:24:25","slug":"state","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tvmeg.com\/index.php\/2022\/02\/25\/state\/","title":{"rendered":"Interview with actors, director and writer of &#8220;State of the Union&#8221;"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3><strong>TV Interview!<\/strong><\/h3>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\r\n<!-- TVMEGBODY -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1056557952271337\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"8801203268\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"auto\"\r\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-22860\" src=\"https:\/\/tvmeg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/statepanel.png\" alt=\"&quot;State of the Union&quot; panel\" width=\"581\" height=\"172\" srcset=\"https:\/\/tvmeg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/statepanel.png 800w, https:\/\/tvmeg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/statepanel-300x89.png 300w, https:\/\/tvmeg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/statepanel-768x228.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 581px) 100vw, 581px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong> Interview with actors Brendan Gleeson, Patricia Clarkson, and Esco Joul\u00e9y; director Stephen Frears and EP Nick Hornby of &#8220;State of the Union&#8221; on SundanceTV by <a href=\"https:\/\/tvmeg.com\/index.php\/2020\/06\/13\/biosuzanne\/\">Suzanne<\/a> 2\/10\/22<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This was such a fun and funny TCA (Television Critics Association) panel to listen to. These are great actors in an emotional show. You should check it out if you can. It airs on Sundance and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sundancenow.com\/series\/watch\/state-of-the-union\/966a7937b8486e4e?season=1\">SundanceNow<\/a>. They&#8217;re only 10 minute episodes, so it&#8217;s easy to watch, in that sense.<\/p>\n<p>Brendan and Patricia were asked if they ever had to adjust the speed of their dialogue to keep the episode length to 10 minutes, or whether they ever went longer than 10 minutes. (I&#8217;m sure the editing would take care of this. It&#8217;s not like it&#8217;s live.) Brendan explained that their director kept them going at a fast pace. However, the way the dialogue is written makes them want to go fast. He found it &#8220;exhilarating.&#8221; Patricia agreed and said that they had to make the most of their &#8220;brilliant 10 minutes.&#8221; No time was wasted, and they love how director Frears kept them going. Esco jokingly imitated Frears, saying, &#8220;Faster. Faster.&#8221; Frears made jokes of his own that all esteemed directors Billy Wilder and Steven Spielberg ever said was &#8220;Faster!&#8221; This was a very fun panel with a lot of jokes and laughing.<\/p>\n<p>A journalist asked if they felt the same frustrations as Scott did (ordering coffee, etc.) and whether they were on his side in the story, or more on Ellen&#8217;s side. Brendan replied that he wasn&#8217;t familiar with a lot of the subjects addressed in the show, such as using the correct pronouns. Esco helped him with that. He said, &#8220;it was very liberating to explore how gender has become such a kind of imprisoning definition.&#8221; He loves how the writing makes Scott very curious about things, even though he does complain a lot. Esco chimed in to say he learned from the script, too. Nick added that he didn&#8217;t have the same problems as Scott does in the show, but he does &#8220;completely understand the mindset,&#8221; which is how he was able to write it. He agrees with Brendan that he &#8220;discovered a lot of things through the writing and then through talking to Esco.&#8221; He explained that &#8220;I go into a complicated coffee order, then it\u2019s difficult the first time, and then I order the same thing 3,000 times in a row.&#8221; This made everyone laugh. Nick quoted one of Scott&#8217;s lines, where he was yelling at himself for saying the wrong pronoun: \u201cOh, Scott, you stupid old man.\u201d Nick confided that someone had pointed that out to him one time, and he said it to himself. So it worked out well to give it to Scott. Everyone laughed at that, too.<\/p>\n<p>Esco admired how Scott was able to recover from making a mistake a recognizing that someone else wasn&#8217;t pleased by it. He said, &#8220;Because at the end of the day, we all want to be respected. This person just wants it differently than you and it&#8217;s like, okay, I&#8217;m going to go on this journey with you to respect you the best way I can because I appreciate you.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Patricia joined in the conversation by explaining that there were non-binary assistants and others on their set, so they had to do in real life what their characters were doing on-screen, so it was &#8220;wonderful&#8221; and helpful for them to learn all of these things. She noted that it was &#8220;quite remarkable at times.&#8221; Nick joked that &#8220;I think it\u2019s kind of a miracle that Brendan, Stephen, and I managed to get through it without Esco stalking off the set and never coming back.&#8221; Everyone laughed and joined in the joking. Esco complimented them all for being &#8220;amazing.&#8221; He points out that the intention matters. If someone isn&#8217;t being mean (just ignorant), then he&#8217;s happy to help them learn because he&#8217;s meeting them for the first time, too.<\/p>\n<p>Patricia told Esco that he&#8217;s &#8220;one of the coolest people ever put on this planet.&#8221; She went on to compliment him more. Brendan added in his own praise, too. Esco talked about how we all &#8220;make assumptions&#8221; so it&#8217;s amazing how people can see you differently that you see yourself. In the show, Jay is able to &#8220;know Scott even more.&#8221; There was more joking around after that.<\/p>\n<p>A journalist asked Nick if there was any difference for him, writing for men or women. Nick says that he just writes for people, and there are so many different kinds of people out there to write about. He starts with a character and then builds the story from there. He doesn&#8217;t think of them as being a particular gender. A writer&#8217;s job is to write everyone. Of writing people of different sexuality than him, he said, &#8220;you\u2019ve just got to hope for the best, observe as much as you can, and get people to read.&#8221; He asks for help from others if he&#8217;s not sure about certain things, which he did for the part of Jay. He turned the question over to Patricia. She replied, &#8220;Oh, honey, I\u2019ll take anything you want to write me, any day of the week.&#8221; This led to more laughter, of course. Then Patricia praised him a lot, saying, &#8220;I\u2019ve never had such a delicious, glorious feast of words.&#8221; She says that his dialogue is very fast and funny. She added, &#8220;it moves so quickly between the emotional and the poignant and the poetic and then into brilliant comedy. It\u2019s just all in one quick breath sometimes and it\u2019s an actor\u2019s dream. It\u2019ll kill you, but it\u2019s an actor\u2019s dream.&#8221; There was more laughing.<\/p>\n<p>Esco piped up that he really loved that he writes for humans because once he read the script and saw that Jay was a real person, he had to do it. He added, &#8220;it made me feel so three-dimensional.&#8221; Brendan joked, &#8220;I think it\u2019s worth mentioning on top of that that men are humans, too.&#8221; He also praised Nick&#8217;s writing. He noticed that, &#8220;even when they\u2019re chatting to each other, the whole idea of being able to learn and listen, and also then a certain generosity of spirit, I mean it\u2019s what obviously has united this particular troop.&#8221; He said it was a &#8220;a joy&#8221; to work with these people because they were &#8220;so committed and so vigorous in what they were doing, but also emotionally brave.&#8221; He went on and on, but you get the idea.<\/p>\n<p>Esco was getting emotional and said he missed them all, confessing that he felt all the feels at that moment. He just thought it was &#8220;amazing&#8221; and it made him feel &#8220;like a superhero and we were on the A-Team.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Another press person asked Brendan and Patricia if the dialogue, which is sometimes &#8220;so raw and painful&#8221; ever made them feel things about their own lives or reflect on their own mistakes. Brenda replied that as an actor, you always have to use part of your own experience to fit your character. Patricia told us that it was never easy to say these type of lines as an actor, that it&#8217;s &#8220;brutal.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Brendan added that he can really relate to Scott&#8217;s confusion, and Nick agreed. The press person agreed that it&#8217;s probably &#8220;a male thing&#8230;We\u2019re all baffled. We\u2019re all baffled in relationships.&#8221; There was a lot of laughing and agreeing.<\/p>\n<p>Nick was asked a question that had nothing to do with the show. He was asked whether any of his other books would be turned into TV shows. He also asked his opinion about &#8220;Ted Lasso.&#8221; Nick refused to talk about &#8220;Ted Lasso.&#8221; He enjoys when he books become movies or TV shows, so it&#8217;s fine with him if it happens more. He said that back when he sold &#8220;High Fidelity,&#8221; it was a new experience for him. He related that he made &#8220;incredible friendships with people that I might not otherwise have met, one of them the director of this series and another one with the writer of the original movie.&#8221; It allowed him to learn about other industries. He mentioned that another TV series of his novel &#8220;Funny Girl&#8221; will be coming out later this year, so he&#8217;s enjoyed getting to know those people.<\/p>\n<p>MORE INFO:<\/p>\n<div class=\"container\">\n<h1 id=\"pageHeading\" class=\"post__title\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-22861 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/tvmeg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/stateposter.jpg\" alt=\"&quot;State of the Union&quot; season 2 poster\" width=\"362\" height=\"204\" srcset=\"https:\/\/tvmeg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/stateposter.jpg 533w, https:\/\/tvmeg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/stateposter-300x169.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 362px) 100vw, 362px\" \/>Emmy-winning State of the Union Renewed for a Second Season with New Cast on SundanceTV<span class=\"post__subtitle\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"post__content\">\n<div class=\"container wysiwyg\">\n<p><span class=\"subhed\">BACK FOR A LITTLE MORE, THE EMMY AWARD-WINNING SHORT FORM SERIES\u00a0<\/span><em>STATE OF THE UNION\u00a0<\/em>RENEWED FOR A SECOND SEASON ON SUNDANCETV<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"subhed\">CREATOR NICK HORNBY AND DIRECTOR STEPHEN FREARS REUNITE TO\u00a0<\/span>DELIVER A PROFOUND EXPLORATION OF HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS IN THE NEXT INSTALLMENT OF GROUNDBREAKING SERIES FROM SEE-SAW FILMS<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"subhed\">NEW SEASON PREMIERING LATER THIS YEAR ON SUNDANCETV AND SUNDANCE NOW\u00a0<\/span>STARS BRENDAN GLEESON, PATRICIA CLARKSON AND ESCO JOUL\u00c9Y<\/p>\n<p>NEW YORK\/LOS ANGELES \u2013 January 27, 2021 \u2013 SundanceTV announced that it has renewed the Emmy\u00aeaward-winning short form drama series,\u00a0<em>State of the Union<\/em>, for a second season. Produced by See-Saw Films,\u00a0Brendan Gleeson\u00a0(<em>In Bruges<\/em>),\u00a0Patricia Clarkson\u00a0(<em>Sharp Objects<\/em>) and\u00a0Esco Joul\u00e9y\u00a0(<em>High Maintenence<\/em>) will lead the second installment of the innovative format, 10 episodes, each 10 minutes in length, which commenced production in January. The second season will premiere on SundanceTV and AMC Networks\u2019 streaming service Sundance Now later this year.<\/p>\n<p>Written by Nick Hornby (<em>Brooklyn<\/em>,\u00a0<em>An Education<\/em>) and directed by Stephen Frears (<em>The Queen<\/em>,\u00a0<em>A Very English Scandal<\/em>),\u00a0<em>State of the Union<\/em>, cleverly explores relationships and the human experience. In this season, liberal campaigning Ellen (Clarkson) drags her traditional, self-made husband Scott (Gleeson) out of his comfort zone and into a hipster Connecticut coffee shop, where they have ten minutes before their marriage counseling session to drink a coffee, gather their thoughts and argue about everything from Quakerism to pronouns. Amongst the bickering they also discuss betrayals from their past, how they\u2019re changing as people, and what the future of their relationship might look like in a changing world.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe first season of\u00a0<em>State of the Union<\/em>\u00a0was a triumph of storytelling form, captivating audiences \u2013 10 minutes at a time \u2013 by smartly and authentically exploring our fundamental humanity and curiosity around what makes people think, feel, love and interact,\u201d said Dan McDermott, president of original programming for AMC Networks. \u201cWe are thrilled to once again partner with the great Nick Hornby and Stephen Frears, and welcome Brendan, Patricia and Esco, to break new ground in short-form storytelling with a series built on the most universal and unifying element of all \u2013 the human relationship.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWe are over the moon to be given another opportunity to work with Nick and Stephen on a new season of\u00a0<em>State of the Union\u00a0<\/em>with our friends at SundanceTV.\u201d Said Jamie Laurenson and Hakan Kousetta, Executive Producers, See-Saw Films. \u201cWe are incredibly happy to welcome Brendan, Patricia and Esco to the team for a new story this season.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Emmy Award-winning and multiple Golden Globe nominee, Brendan Gleeson recently played the role of Donald Trump in the CBS miniseries\u00a0<em>The Comey Rule<\/em>\u00a0and will soon be seen in the role of King Duncan in Joel Coen\u2019s film adaptation of\u00a0<em>Macbeth<\/em>. Academy Award nominee and Golden Globe- Critics\u2019 Choice- and Emmy Award-winning actress, Patricia Clarkson was recently seen in the HBO limited series\u00a0<em>Sharp Objects<\/em>\u00a0and the sixth and final season of Netflix\u2019\u00a0<em>House of Cards<\/em>. Burgeoning multi-talent Esco Jouley recently wrapped a role on the upcoming Starz series\u00a0<em>Blindspotting<\/em>, from creators Rafael Casal and Daveed Diggs, and was recently seen in HBO\u2019s\u00a0<em>High Maintenance<\/em>.\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/amcnetworks.app.box.com\/s\/vkgtc5sfu8cvo2r6tu9sctvd36sotly0\">Full Bios and Headshots<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Jamie Laurenson, Hakan Kousetta, Iain Canning, and Emile Sherman are executive producers along with Hornby and Frears, with Sophie Reynolds producing the series for See-Saw Films. Kristin Jones, EVP of international programming for AMC and SundanceTV, is the executive in charge for SundanceTV. Endeavor Content is handling international sales.<\/p>\n<p>The first season of\u00a0<em>State of the Union<\/em>\u00a0starred Oscar\u00ae-nominee Rosamund Pike (<em>Gone Girl<\/em>,\u00a0<em>A Private War<\/em>) and Emmy\u00ae-winner Chris O\u2019Dowd (<em>Bridesmaids<\/em>,\u00a0<em>Get Shorty<\/em>) in an innovative look at a couple who meet for drinks ahead of their weekly marriage counseling appointments. The short form series premiered as an official selection of the 2019 Sundance Film Festival and screened at the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival.\u00a0\u00a0<em>State of the Union<\/em>\u00a0received three Emmy awards: Short Form Comedy or Drama Series, Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama (Pike) and Actor in a Short Form Comedy or Drama (O\u2019Dowd).<\/p>\n<p>About SundanceTV<\/p>\n<p>Since its launch in 1996, SundanceTV has remained true to founder Robert Redford\u2019s mission to celebrate creativity and distinctive storytelling through unique voices and narratives found in the best independent films. From delivering critically acclaimed Emmy\u00ae, Golden Globe\u00ae and Peabody Award-winning television featuring some of the world\u2019s most talented creators and performers, to showcasing some of the most compelling and iconic films across genres and generations, SundanceTV is a smart and thought-provoking entertainment destination. \u00a0SundanceTV is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc.; its sister networks include AMC, IFC, BBC America and WE tv. SundanceTV is available across all platforms, including on-air, online at\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.sundancetv.com\/\">www.sundancetv.com<\/a>, on demand and mobile.<\/p>\n<p>About Sundance Now<\/p>\n<p>AMC Networks\u2019 streaming service\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/t.sidekickopen84.com\/s2t\/c\/5\/f18dQhb0S7lC8fTyw2W37r_Jd2B9nMJW7t5XZs8qSGdvW4WrMgP3M2w9HVQsxsT56dR8jf7gFP9202?te=W3R5hFj4cm2zwW4mKLS-4cQK6jW3zdYNr41Wvxgf3Fbt5S04&amp;si=5711710866636800&amp;pi=608dac5b-d018-471e-aa90-36c46537dbde\">Sundance Now<\/a>\u00a0is for culture craving TV watchers looking for their next series to obsess over and offers a rich selection of original and exclusive series from engrossing true crime to heart-stopping dramas and fiercely intelligent thrillers from around the world, all streaming commercial-free. Adding exclusive new programs every week, Sundance Now has exclusively premiered several distinctive, critically acclaimed Sundance Now Original Series, including supernatural drama\u00a0<em>A Discovery of Witches<\/em>; glamourous thriller\u00a0<em>Riviera<\/em>; and critically acclaimed French spy drama\u00a0<em>The Bureau<\/em>; plus Sundance Now Exclusives, such as Nordic noir thriller\u00a0<em>Wisting<\/em>\u00a0and British drama\u00a0<em>Des<\/em>\u00a0starring David Tennant; as well as riveting true crime series like\u00a0<em>No One Saw a Thing<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p>Follow Sundance Now on:<\/p>\n<p>Twitter<a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q%3Dhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/sundance_now%26amp;sa%3DD%26amp;ust%3D1503636224983000%26amp;usg%3DAFQjCNEVLVay6Wj99C4QZmaS41kuAuvjxg&amp;sa=D&amp;ust=1503636224992000&amp;usg=AFQjCNF-nJQJ6K4Pk9gRmpsOJzUI_gNzDw\">@sundance_now<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Facebook<a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q%3Dhttps:\/\/www.facebook.com\/SundanceNow\/%26amp;sa%3DD%26amp;ust%3D1503636224984000%26amp;usg%3DAFQjCNGxvIsdDKNuVSy0nz4IMQ8r85VD4w&amp;sa=D&amp;ust=1503636224992000&amp;usg=AFQjCNFdmXxKJf8NyyrdXib5OpcbInC9Gg\">@SundanceNow<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Instagram<a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q%3Dhttps:\/\/www.instagram.com\/sundancenow\/%26amp;sa%3DD%26amp;ust%3D1503636224984000%26amp;usg%3DAFQjCNF8FQv7CBD2FqwKseR_cVFoPIhO8A&amp;sa=D&amp;ust=1503636224992000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGSsX9BUPyPpcbleRr5zdHYdbdCkg\">@SundanceNow<\/a><\/p>\n<p>YouTube<a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q%3Dhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/SundanceNow%26amp;sa%3DD%26amp;ust%3D1503636224984000%26amp;usg%3DAFQjCNGFt2RXrpGVzeBDXSYyall-ry-Itw&amp;sa=D&amp;ust=1503636224992000&amp;usg=AFQjCNHKjzaDvQBU5-L7QUPh_tdzzM5NBw\">@Sundance Now<\/a><\/p>\n<p>About See-Saw Films<\/p>\n<p>Academy Award\u00ae, BAFTA and Emmy Award winning producers Iain Canning and Emile Sherman founded See-Saw Films in 2008. With offices in London and Sydney, See-Saw specializes in international film and television production.<\/p>\n<p>See-Saw\u2019s film projects include this year\u2019s awards contender\u00a0<em>Ammonite<\/em>, written and directed by Francis Lee, starring Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan which was selected for the Cannes, Telluride, Toronto and London Film festivals. In 2016 they released the six-time Academy Award\u00ae nominated\u00a0<em>Lion<\/em>, starring Dev Patel, Nicole Kidman and Rooney Mara, as well as\u00a0<em>The King\u2019s Speech<\/em>, which was nominated for twelve and won four Academy Awards\u00ae in 2011 including Best Motion Picture. Recent projects include\u00a0<em>Widows<\/em>\u00a0directed by Steve McQueen and starring Viola Davis. Upcoming projects include\u00a0<em>Operation Mincemeat<\/em>, directed by John Madden and starring Colin Firth, Matthew Macfadyen and Kelly Macdonald;\u00a0<em>The Power Of The Dog<\/em>, written and directed by Jane Campion, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons; and\u00a0<em>The Unknown Man\u00a0<\/em>directed by Thomas M Wright, starring Joel Edgerton and Sean Harris.<\/p>\n<p>See-Saw\u2019s television division kicked off with the multi-award winning first season of Jane Campion\u2019s \u2018Top of the Lake\u2019. Campion returned with \u2018Top of The Lake: China Girl\u2019 starring Elisabeth Moss, Nicole Kidman and Gwendoline Christie which premiered at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival and was nominated for a Golden Globe.\u00a0 \u2018State of the Union,\u2019 written by Nick Hornby, directed by Stephen Frears and starring Rosamund Pike and Chris O\u2019Dowd had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival 2019 and won three Emmy Awards. Recent projects include Samantha Strauss\u2019 \u2018The End\u2019 for Foxtel and Sky Atlantic, starring Harriet Walter and Frances O\u2019Connor. Upcoming projects include \u2018The North Water\u2019 for BBC Two written and directed by Andrew Haigh, starring Colin Farrell, Jack O\u2019Connell and Stephen Graham; \u2018Slow Horses\u2019 for Apple TV+, starring Gary Oldman, Jack Lowden and Kristin Scott Thomas; and \u2018The Essex Serpent\u2019 for Apple TV+, directed by Clio Barnard.<\/p>\n<p>Nick Hornby Bio<\/p>\n<p>Nick Hornby is an Oscar\u00ae-nominated screenwriter and award-winning author. He won an Emmy for his short form series State Of The Union directed by Stephen Frears and starring Rosamund Pyke and Chris O\u2019Dowd. He adapted Nina Stibbe\u2019s memoir Love, Nina into a BBC1 television series and received Academy Award\u00ae and BAFTA nominations for his screenplay adaptation of Colm To\u0301ibi\u0301n\u2019s novel Brooklyn, which was directed by John Crowley. The film starred Saoirse Ronan, Domhnall Gleeson, Julie Walters and Jim Broadbent, received three Oscar nominations in total and was awarded BAFTA\u2019s Outstanding British Film. Nick\u2019s previous film and television projects include his Oscar and BAFTA-nominated adaptation of Lynn Barber\u2019s memoir An Education, which was directed by Lone Scherfig and starred Carey Mulligan, Peter Sarsgaard, Dominic Cooper, Rosamund Pike and Emma Thompson, his adaptation of Cheryl Strayed\u2019s New York Times bestselling memoir into the film Wild, which starred Reese Witherspoon and Laura Dern, and his adaptation of his own memoir for the screenplay of Fever Pitch starring Colin Firth.<\/p>\n<p>Nick\u2019s best-selling books have served as a rich stream of inspiration for filmmakers: the British film of Fever Pitch was re-made by the Farrelly brothers, starring Drew Barrymore and Jimmy Fallon; High Fidelity was directed by Stephen Frears, starring John Cusack and Jack Black, and in 2020 was re-imagined as a TV series starring Zoe Kravitz; About A Boy was directed by the Weitz brothers, starring Hugh Grant, Rachel Weisz and Toni Collette; A Long Way Down was directed by Pascal Chaumeil, starring Pierce Brosnan, Aaron Paul and Toni Collette, and his young adult novel Slam was adapted into an Italian language feature directed by Andrea Molaioli. Jesse Peretz directed an adaptation of his novel Juliet, Naked, starring Rose Byrne, Ethan Hawke, and Chris O\u2019Dowd.<\/p>\n<p>Nick\u2019s other novels include How to be Good (2001), Funny Girl (2014) and Just Like You (2020). His non-fiction work includes Fever Pitch, 31 Songs, and The Complete Polysyllabic Spree, a collection of Nick\u2019s book columns for US magazine The Believer, to which he continues to contribute a bi-monthly column. Among other recognition for his literature, Nick received the EM Forster Award from the American Academy of Arts &amp; Letters. In 2010, he co-founded the children\u2019s writing charity The Ministry of Stories, located in East London and now expanding to other UK cities.<\/p>\n<p>Stephen Frears Bio<\/p>\n<p>Unanimously regarded as one of Britain\u2019s finest directors, Stephen Frears has always embraced a wide variety of styles, themes and genres. He worked almost exclusively for the small screen in the first 15 years of his career, with programs such as One Fine Day by Alan Bennett and Three Men In A Boat by Tom Stoppard. Stephen\u2019s more recent TV work includes Muhammad Ali\u2019s Greatest Fight for HBO and Channel 4\u2019s The Deal starring Michael Sheen and David Morrissey. In the mid-1980s he turned to the cinema, shooting The Hit (1984), starring Terence Stamp, John Hurt and Tim Roth. The following year he made My Beautiful Laundrette for Channel 4, which crossed over to big-screen audiences and altered the course of his career. After directing its companion piece Sammy And Rosie Get Laid and the Joe Orton biopic Prick Up Your Ears, he began working in Hollywood, with Dangerous Liaisons and the Grifters (for which he was Oscar\u00ae-nominated) among his most notable titles.<\/p>\n<p>Returning closer to home, he directed The Snapper and The Van, two Irish films based on Roddy Doyle stories and, after a second spell of making American films (The Hi-Lo Country and High Fidelity), based himself largely in Britain. Frears showed his versatility with two vastly different movies \u2013 Dirty Pretty Things, a realistic account of immigrant life in London, and Mrs Henderson Presents, a nostalgic backstage comedy-drama. For his 2006 film The Queen he was again nominated for an Oscar. His subsequent films included Cheri and Tamara Drewe. He followed these with Philomena, starring Judi Dench and Steve Coogan, which won a BAFTA and was nominated for three others, along with three Golden Globe and four Oscar nominations; The Program, which starred Ben Foster as seven time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong; and Florence Foster Jenkins, starring Meryl Streep and Hugh Grant, which received various accolades including a Golden Globe nomination for Best Picture and an Oscar nomination for Streep. Frears followed this with Victoria &amp; Abdul, which starred Judi Dench, who received a Golden Globe nomination for her performance. Frears\u2019 return to TV was with the acclaimed three-part BBC television series A Very English Scandal, which won Stephen a BAFTA for Best Director. He followed this up with an Emmy win for Nick Hornby\u2019s short form series State Of The Union \u2013 starring Rosamund Pike and Chris O\u2019Dowd; and most recently directed James Graham\u2019s QUIZ for ITV starring Michael Sheen and Matthew Macfadyen.<\/p>\n<p><span id=\"page3R_mcid0\" class=\"markedContent\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-22859 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/tvmeg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/state2.jpg\" alt=\"Patricia Clarkson as Ellen and Brendan Gleeson as Scott - State of the Union _ Season2, Episode3 - Photo Credit: Laura Radford\/See-Saw Films\/Sundance TV\" width=\"305\" height=\"204\" srcset=\"https:\/\/tvmeg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/state2.jpg 449w, https:\/\/tvmeg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/state2-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 305px) 100vw, 305px\" \/><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid1\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid2\" class=\"markedContent\"><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">STATE OF THE UNION<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Season 2<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">\u2013<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">BIOS<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid3\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid4\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid5\" class=\"markedContent\"><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Brendan<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Gleeson<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">(Cast,<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">\u201c<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Scott<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">\u201d<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">)<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid6\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid7\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid8\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid9\" class=\"markedContent\"><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Brendan<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">recently played the<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">role of Donald Trump in the CBS miniseries<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">The Comey Rule<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">.<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">He will<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">next<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">be<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">seen in the role of King Duncan in Joel Coen&#8217;s film adaptation of<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">The Tragedy of<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Macbeth<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">, which is due<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">for release this year.<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid10\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid11\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid12\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid13\" class=\"markedContent\"><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">He played the lead<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">role in three seasons of the acclaimed,<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Mr<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">.<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Mercedes<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">based on the Bill Hodges novel<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">trilogy by Stephen King.<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid14\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid15\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid16\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid17\" class=\"markedContent\"><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Other recent projects include<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Frankie<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">opposite Marisa Tomei and directed by Ira Sachs,<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">The Bal<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">lad of<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Buster Scruggs<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">directed by the Coen Brothers,<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Padd<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">ington<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">2 directed by Paul King,<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Hampstead<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">opposite<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Diane Keaton and directed by Joel Hopkins,<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Live By Night<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">directed by Ben Affleck, Justin Kurzel\u2019s<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Assass<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">in<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">\u2019<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">s Creed<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">with Michael Fassbender, Vincent Perez\u2019s<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Alone<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">in Berlin<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">opposite Emma Thompson,<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Adam<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Smith&#8217;s<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Trespass Against Us<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">, Sarah Gavron&#8217;s<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Suffragette<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">with Meryl Streep and Carey Mulligan,<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">and<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">In The Heart of the Sea<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">directed by Ron Howard.<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid18\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid19\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid20\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid21\" class=\"markedContent\"><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Other projects in recent years include<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Calvary<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">directed by John Michael McDonagh, Doug Liman&#8217;s<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Edge<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">of Tomor<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">row<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">with Tom Cruise, and Cartoon Saloon\u2019s<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Song of the Sea<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">, directed by Tomm Moore. He is<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">also well<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">&#8211;<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">known for his role as Professor Alastor Moody in the<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Harry Potter<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">films, and for his portrayal of<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Sergeant Gerry Boyle in John Michael McDonagh\u2019s<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">The<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Guard<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">.<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid22\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid23\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid24\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid25\" class=\"markedContent\"><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Brendan<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">was nominated for Golden Globe and BAFTA awards for his role as Ken in Martin McDonagh\u2019s<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">In Bruges<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">, and won an Emmy for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in HBO\u2019s<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Into The Storm<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">, directed by<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Thaddeus O\u2019Sullivan. He was also nominated for a Golden<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Globe and BAFTA for this performance.<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid26\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid27\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid28\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid29\" class=\"markedContent\"><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">He is an accomplished musician, playing the fiddle and mandolin.<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid30\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid31\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid32\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span id=\"page3R_mcid32\" class=\"markedContent\"><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Patricia Clarkson<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">(Cast,<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">\u201c<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Ellen<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">\u201d<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">)<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid33\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid34\" class=\"markedContent\"><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Academy Award nominee, Golden Globe Award, Critics\u2019 Choice Award and<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Emmy Award<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">&#8211;<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">winning<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">actress, Patricia Clarkson takes on roles as varied as the platform<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">s for<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">which she plays them. T<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">his<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">mult<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">i<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">&#8211;<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">faceted approach<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">makes<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">her one of today&#8217;s most respected actresses.<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid35\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid36\" class=\"markedContent\"><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Clarkson&#8217;s continuous innovative work in independent film<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">ear<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">ned her the 2018 British Independent<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Sally Potter\u2019s film<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">The Party<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">.<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">In 2010 she received<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">rave reviews for her starring role in the award winning romantic drama,<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Cairo Time<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">,<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">which put her<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">career in<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">the American spotlight. She won<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">the Independent Award for Acting Excellence at the 2009<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">ShoWest Awards.<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">In 2003, her role in<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Pieces of April<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">earned her nominations for<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">an<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Academy<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Award<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">,<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Golden Globe, SAG, Broadcast Film Critics and Independent Spirit awa<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">rds. The National Board of Review<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">and the National Society of Film Critics named her Best Supporting Actress of the Year for her work in<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Pieces of April<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">and<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">The Station Agent<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">. <\/span><\/span><span id=\"page3R_mcid37\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page31R_mcid0\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page31R_mcid1\" class=\"markedContent\"><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">2019<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">garnered Clarkson the Golden Globe Award and Critics\u2019 Choice<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Award for her role in HBO\u2019s<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Sharp<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Objects.<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Last<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">year she was<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">also<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">seen at the helm of the Krewe of Muses Mardi Gras Parade<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">,<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">she was<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">honored<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">with the Precious Gem A<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">ward<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">at the Miami Film Festival<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">, and honored with the prestigious<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">\u201c<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Crystal Globe for Outsta<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">nding Artistic Contribution to World Cinema<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">\u201d<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">from the 54<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">th<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">annual Karlovy Vary<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">International Film Festival.<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page31R_mcid2\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page31R_mcid3\" class=\"markedContent\"><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Clarkson\u2019s recent films include<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Isabel Coixet\u2019s<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">The Bookshop<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">,<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">the independent film drama<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Jonathan<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">,<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">opposite Ansel Elgort, the final installment<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">of the<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Maze Runner<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">trilogy, the detective film<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Out of Blue<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">based on the Martin Amis novel, in which she plays the lead character, and Sally Potter\u2019s film<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">The Party<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">.<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page31R_mcid4\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page31R_mcid5\" class=\"markedContent\"><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">R<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">ecent<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">television<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">projects include<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">the HBO limited series<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Sharp Objects<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">and the sixth and final season of<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Netflix\u2019<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">House of Cards.<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">She will next be seen in<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">State of the Union<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">.<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page31R_mcid6\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page31R_mcid7\" class=\"markedContent\"><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">In 2014 she starred alongside Sir Ben Kingsley in<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Learning to Drive<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">directed by Isabel Coixet.<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">The film<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">won runner up honors for the People\u2019s Ch<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">oice Award at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival and<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">was released in August 2015 and opened to critical acclaim.<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Other recent films include<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">the timely thriller<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">The East<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">,<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">opposite Brit<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Marling and<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Alexander Skarsg\u00e5rd<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">,<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">the comedy<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Friends with Be<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">nefits<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">,<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">in which she<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">co<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">&#8211;<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">stars with Justin Timberlake and Mila Kun<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">is<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">and the Lone Scherfig directed drama,<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">One Day<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">with Anne<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Hathaway and Jim Sturgess.<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">In 2010, she was seen in the box office hit<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Easy A<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">.<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page31R_mcid8\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page31R_mcid9\" class=\"markedContent\"><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Clarkson and the cast of<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Good Night,<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">and Good Luck<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">.<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">with George Clooney and David Straithairn,<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">received both Screen Actors Guild and Gotham Awar<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">d nominations for Best Ensemble.<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Far From Heaven<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">won her a New York Film Critics Cir<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">cle Award for Supporting<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Actress,<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">All The Real Girls<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">won her a Special<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Jury Priz<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">e at the Sundance Film Festival,<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">and<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">The Safety of Objects<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">earned her an Acting Prize at the<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Deau<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">ville Film Festival<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">.<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">The Green Mile<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">earned Clarkson and<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">cast (including<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Tom Hanks and James<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Cromw<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">ell<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">)<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">a Screen Actors Guild Best Ensemble Award nomination<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">,<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">and<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">High Art<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">earned her<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">an<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Independent Spirit Award no<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">mination for Supporting Actress.<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page31R_mcid10\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page31R_mcid11\" class=\"markedContent\"><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Other film credits include: Martin Scorsese&#8217;s thriller<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Shutter Island<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">,<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Woody Allen&#8217;s<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Whatever<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Works<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">and<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Vicky Christina Barcelona<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">,<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Blind Date<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">with Stanley Tucci,<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Elegy<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">,<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">No Reservations<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">,<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">All The King\u2019s Men<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">,<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Lars<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">and the Real Girl<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">,<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Simply Irresistible<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">,<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">The Pledge<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">,<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Jumanji<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">,<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Rocket<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Gibraltar<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">and<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">The Untouchables.<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page31R_mcid12\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page31R_mcid13\" class=\"markedContent\"><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">In 2011, Clark<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">son was seen in Lifetime\u2019s<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Five,<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">an anthology of five short films exploring the impact of<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">breast cancer on people\u2019s lives directed by Jennifer Aniston, Alicia Keys, Demi Moore, Patty Jenkins and<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Penelope Spheeris.<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">She previously guest starred in the crit<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">ically acclaimed HBO series<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Six Feet Under<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">,<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">for<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">which she won an Emmy in 2002 and again in 2006.<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page31R_mcid14\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page31R_mcid15\" class=\"markedContent\"><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">In December 2014, Clarkson returned to Broadway, after a 25 year hiatus from the stage, to star in<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">The<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Elephant Man<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">,<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">opposite Bradley Cooper and Alessandro Nivola. Following its successful<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">run on<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Broadway, the cast<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">reprise<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">d<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">their roles on the West End at the Theatre Royal Haymarket<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">in<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">London the<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">following year<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">. That year<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">, Clarkson was nominated for an Outer Critics Circ<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">le award for \u201cOutstanding<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Featured Actress in a Play\u201d and a Tony Award nomination for her role in<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">The Elephant Man<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">.<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page31R_mcid16\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page31R_mcid17\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page31R_mcid18\" class=\"markedContent\"><br role=\"presentation\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span id=\"page31R_mcid18\" class=\"markedContent\"><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Esco Joul\u00e9y<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">(Cast,<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">\u201c<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Jay<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">\u201d<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">)<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page31R_mcid19\" class=\"markedContent\"><\/span><span id=\"page31R_mcid20\" class=\"markedContent\"><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Esco Joul\u00e9y is an actor, singer, dancer, clown, movement artist, and creator located in New York City.<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Esco<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">recently wrapped a role on the upcoming Starz series<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Blindspotting<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">, from creators Rafael Casal and<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Daveed Diggs. Recent credits include HBO&#8217;s<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">H<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">i<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">gh<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Maint<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">enance<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">, Netflix&#8217;s upcoming series<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Inventing An<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">na<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">, <\/span><\/span><span id=\"page33R_mcid0\" class=\"markedContent\"><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Hulu&#8217;s<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Monsterland<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">and Bravo&#8217;s<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">In A Man<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">\u2019<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">s World<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">, wher<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">e they appeared as a movement coach. Esco&#8217;s<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">theater<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">credits include:<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Interstate, Runaways, Galatea, The Demise<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">(Magic Theater Player),<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">and<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Beowulf<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">.<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Esco was a resident actor at the historic Barter Theater for three and a half years and is an alum of the<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">ABC Di<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">scovers Showcase.<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">As a movement artist, Esco is the creator and performer of<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">One<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">, a mute character that lives in the same<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">world as the great artists Charlie Chaplin, Burt Williams, and Harpo Marx.<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">Esco has used this character<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">to explore the language of<\/span> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">movement and how one would communicate with people if one could not<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">speak. Esco is a Penn State University graduate with a BA in Integrative Arts and a minor in Dance. Esco<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">also graduated from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in NYC. Esco was awa<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">rded the Robert<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">J. Prindle and Doris P. Prindle Memorial Award and the Lauren M. Becker Memorial Award in creative<\/span><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">art. More information about Esco and their work can be found at<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page33R_mcid1\" class=\"markedContent\"> <span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">escojouley.com<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page33R_mcid2\" class=\"markedContent\"><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">, @escojouley,<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page33R_mcid3\" class=\"markedContent\"><br role=\"presentation\" \/><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">on<\/span><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">ezlife.com<\/span><\/span><span id=\"page33R_mcid4\" class=\"markedContent\"><span dir=\"ltr\" role=\"presentation\">, and @onezlife.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Proofread and Edited by <a href=\"https:\/\/tvmeg.com\/index.php\/2020\/06\/20\/biobrenda\/\">Brenda<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/tvmeg.com\/index.php\/interviews\/\">Back to the Primetime Articles and Interviews Page<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-22862\" src=\"https:\/\/tvmeg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/states.jpg\" alt=\"Patricia Clarkson as Ellen, Brendan Gleeson as Scott and Esco Joul\u00e9y as Jay - State of the Union_Season 2, Episode 10 - Photo Credit: Laura Radford\/See-Saw Films\/Sundance TV\" width=\"319\" height=\"236\" srcset=\"https:\/\/tvmeg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/states.jpg 406w, https:\/\/tvmeg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/states-300x222.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 319px) 100vw, 319px\" \/><\/p>\n<script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script>\r\n<!-- TVMEGBODY -->\r\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\"\r\n     style=\"display:block\"\r\n     data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1056557952271337\"\r\n     data-ad-slot=\"8801203268\"\r\n     data-ad-format=\"auto\"\r\n     data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\r\n<script>\r\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\r\n<\/script>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>TV Interview! Interview with actors Brendan Gleeson, Patricia Clarkson, and Esco Joul\u00e9y; director Stephen Frears and EP Nick Hornby of &#8220;State of the Union&#8221; on SundanceTV by Suzanne 2\/10\/22 This was such a fun and funny TCA (Television Critics Association) panel to listen to. These are great actors in an emotional show. You should check [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[73,7],"tags":[79,1028,1030,346,1032,1029,1025,1031,1026,1027,597,1020],"class_list":["post-22857","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-article","category-primetime","tag-article","tag-brendan-gleeson","tag-esco-jouley","tag-interview","tag-nick-hornby","tag-patricia-clarkson","tag-state-of-the-union","tag-stephen-frears","tag-sundance","tag-sundancetv","tag-tca","tag-tca22"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvmeg.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22857","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvmeg.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvmeg.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvmeg.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvmeg.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=22857"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/tvmeg.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22857\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":23147,"href":"https:\/\/tvmeg.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/22857\/revisions\/23147"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvmeg.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=22857"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvmeg.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=22857"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvmeg.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=22857"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}