Phoebe Waller-Bridge gives Barack Obama saucy Golden Globes thank you
Phoebe Waller-Bridge accepting the award for actress in a comedy series for "Fleabag."
(Paul Drinkwater / NBC)
By Meredith BlakeStaff Writer
Jan. 5, 2020 7:40 PM PT
Phoebe Waller-Bridge has won just about all the awards she possibly can for "Fleabag" — which is too bad, because her acceptance speech at Sunday's Golden Globes deserves a prize of its own.
Accepting the award for comedy series for the second season of "Fleabag," the British writer and actor displayed some of her trademark naughty wit by acknowledging Barack Obama for putting the show on his year-end round-up of the best in books, film, music and TV.
The complete list of 2020 Golden Globes winners
The complete list of 2020 Golden Globes winners and nominees
"Personally I'd also like to thank Obama for putting us on his list. As some of you may know, he's always been on mine," she said, adding, "And if you don't get that joke, watch Season 1 of 'Fleabag.'"
For those yet to watch the BBC/Amazon Prime series, an early scene in the first season shows Waller-Bridge's character masturbating to an Obama speech — and getting caught by her boyfriend.
The former president cited "Fleabag," along with the HBO drama "Watchmen" and the Netflix miniseries "Unbelievable," as TV shows he "considered as powerful movies." Despite the odd backhanded compliment, Obama's inclusion of "Fleabag" caused a minor freakout on social media.
Whatever Obama thought of that scene in particular, he was not alone in his praise for "Fleabag" and Waller-Bridge, who also won for lead actress in a comedy series. It also swept the Emmys in September.
Backstage, Waller-Bridge declined to take the bait when she was asked if she would work with the Obamas, who are developing projects for Netflix. "I think I've said quite enough about the Obamas this evening, thank you very much," she said.
TelevisionAwardsGolden Globes
The complete guide to home viewing
Get Screen Gab for weekly recommendations, analysis, interviews and irreverent discussion of the TV and streaming movies everyone's talking about.
Meredith Blake
Meredith Blake is an entertainment reporter for the Los Angeles Times based out of New York City, where she primarily covers television. A native of Bethlehem, Pa., she graduated from Georgetown University and holds a master's degree from New York University.
What's on TV Monday: 'The Defiant Ones,' TCM; 'Becoming: Michelle Obama in Conversation,' BET
Betty White adored animals. She also loved a good hot dog — just ask Pink's in L.A.
Ariana DeBose, Elmo and Rocco bring the fire to 'Saturday Night Live'
What's on TV this week: Marilyn Monroe, Michelle Obama, dinosaurs, Duran Duran and more
What's on TV Saturday: 'Peacemaker' on HBO; 'The Dream Show: A Salute to South L.A.' on KTLA
What's on TV Tuesday: 'Grand Crew' and 'This Is Us' on NBC; 'Raid the Fridge,' Food Network