Acclaimed actor Stephen Graham has delivered a blistering critique of the awards circuit, labelling trophies as "shiny b******s," while simultaneously teasing a potential role as a villain in the upcoming James Bond film.
Graham's Candid Take on Awards and Impact
The star, who enjoyed a standout year in 2025 for his work on the Netflix psychological series Adolescence, made his feelings clear in a recent interview with The Guardian. Graham, who co-wrote and starred in the hit show, stated that genuine audience connection far outweighs any industry accolade.
"Having a fella come up in Tesco and say: ‘I just want to thank you. I had a really good chat with my son the other night after we watched your programme,’" Graham explained. "No disrespect but you can keep your awards and all that shiny b*******s. That’s the real accolade."
This frank assessment comes just ahead of the Critics Choice Awards on 4 January 2026, where Graham is nominated for Best Actor in a Limited Series for his role as the father of a teenage murderer. The series itself is up for Best Limited Series.
From Peaky Blinders to 007: The Steven Knight Connection
The interview also shed light on Graham's continued collaboration with acclaimed screenwriter Steven Knight, the creator of Peaky Blinders. The pair worked together on the 2025 period drama A Thousand Blows and are now collaborating on the new Peaky Blinders film, The Immortal Man.
Significantly, Knight is also penning the screenplay for the next instalment of the James Bond franchise. With Daniel Craig's tenure as 007 concluded, speculation is rife about who will next take up the mantle. When asked by The Guardian about the possibility of a "scouse 007" played by Graham, the actor had other ideas.
"I'd rather be a villain," Graham stated, adding "it'd be more fun." Knight agreed, noting that most "great" actors he's spoken to share that sentiment. The role would place Graham in a legendary lineage of Bond antagonists played by stars like Christopher Lee, Christopher Walken, Sean Bean, and Mads Mikkelsen.
The Cultural Impact of Adolescence and Future Prospects
Graham's award-nominated series, Adolescence, has made a significant impact beyond entertainment. The show's exploration of toxic masculinity and the influence of the 'manosphere' led to political intervention.
Following its release in March 2025, MP Annaliese Midgley advocated for the series to be shown in schools to combat rising misogyny among young men. This call was backed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who made the programme available for free in UK secondary schools.
As for the future of Bond, while names like Idris Elba, Callum Turner, and Harris Dickinson are frequently tipped, Graham's potential involvement as a villain adds a thrilling new possibility. For now, the actor remains focused on the real-world resonance of his work, even as the glittering world of 007 beckons.
