‘Stan & Ollie’s Steve Coogan and John C Reilly have a big problem with awards (exclusive)

Stan & Ollie was nominated for an impressive three BAFTAs this week, which included a nod for Steve Coogan’s stunning lead performance as Stan Laurel in the brilliant Laurel and Hardy biopic.

But he shares the screen equally with John C Reilly, who missed out at the BAFTAs, but was nominated for a Golden Globe, for his turn as Oliver Hardy – where Coogan wasn’t nominated.

So, how does it feel for the double-act to be separated when it comes to awards love? As it turns out, the pair think the system is inherently flawed.

“To be honest, it’s an odd thing,” Coogan told Yahoo Movies UK. “Often films have lead roles and supporting roles, sometimes you get films where you have a genuine double-act, Laurel & Hardy are a double-act and we in this film are a duo, a pure acting duo. But because of the way these awards are structured, and it becomes a thing where they more or less have to flip a coin.”

“It puts a folly to the whole thing,” John C Reilly agreed. “When you think about it. Our film was about a duo, it’s about a partnership, how could you separate the two of them? But the truth is, all acting is done in collaboration with other people, film is a collaborative medium, these things are done as co-operative enterprises.”

“The whole awards system is to help sell films so people go to see them, it’s part of the machine. It’s an occupational hazard,” Coogan concluded.

Synopsis: The true story of Hollywood’s greatest comedy double act, Laurel and Hardy, is brought to the big screen for the first time. Starring Steve Coogan and John C. Reilly as the legendary movie icons, Stan & Ollie is the heart-warming story of what would become the pair’s triumphant farewell tour.

With their golden era long behind them, the pair embark on a variety hall tour of Britain and Ireland. Despite the pressures of a hectic schedule, and with the support of their wives Lucille (Shirley Henderson) and Ida (Nina Arianda) – a formidable double act in their own right – the pair’s love of performing, as well as for each other, endures as they secure their place in the hearts of their adoring public.

Stan & Ollie is in cinemas tomorrow. Watch a trailer below.

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