for inspiration. Soon after being cast in Master and Commander, Pirkis was contracted to be represented by Hollywood talent agency ICM. The income he earned for the film was placed into a bank, making him wait until he turned eighteen. For his role, Pirkis received critical acclaim and won the Evening Standard British Film Award for Most Promising Newcomer and the Young Artist Award for Best International Performance by a Young Actor at the 25th Young Artist Awards. Pirkis was also nominated for Best Performance by a Youth in a Lead or Supporting Role – Male at the 4th Phoenix Film Critics Society Awards. Jeremiah Kipp of Slant Magazine praised Pirkis, writing that he "makes a winning impression as midshipman Lord Blakeney, a pugnacious one-armed lad who imitates the masculine bravado of Crowe and the bookish reserve of Bettany." Rome In 2005, Pirkis made his television debut. Until 2007, Pirkis played Gaius Octavian (later to become Caesar Augustus) in the BBC/HBO television series Rome. Many critics highlighted Pirkis and his character for praise. At the beginning of the first season, The Washington Post columnist Tom Shales remarked: "Played both knowingly and innocently by Max Pirkis, he gives the audience something it desperately needs... a character to root for, or at least care about." During the second series, Pirkis was replaced by Simon Woods in order for the show to depict an older version of the character. Embankment Films In February 2016, Pirkis was appointed head of acquisitions and distribution at Embankment Films. Filmography See also List of Old Etonians born in the 20th century List of accolades received by Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World References External links 1989 births Living people People educated at Eton College English male film actors English male television actors English male child actors Male actors from London Alumni of St Catharine's College, Cambridge