26.01.04
The
Office celebrates two Golden Globe triumphs
Los
Angeles, CA. Smash-hit comedy The Office, which airs on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ AMERICA,
the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ's entertainment channel in the US, has won two Golden Globe
Awards.
The
Office won Best Television Series - Musical or Comedy and Ricky
Gervais was announced as Best Actor in a Leading Role - Musical
or Comedy Series for his performance as world-famous middle manager
David Brent. Both awards are the first for any British-made sitcom.
Voted
for by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and announced last
night at a star-studded ceremony at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, Los
Angeles, The Office won best musical or comedy series, beating Will
& Grace (NBC), Monk (USA), Sex and the City (HBO) and Arrested
Development (Fox).
Ricky
Gervais laid claim to best comedy actor ahead of Matt LeBlanc in
Friends (NBC), Eric McCormack in Will & Grace, Bernie Mac in
The Bernie Mac Show (Fox) and Tony Shalhoub in Monk.
In
just two seasons, the hit show has become one of the most critically
acclaimed British comedies of all time on both sides of the Atlantic.
It has already claimed many awards including four BAFTAs and a Silver
Rose at last year's Montreux TV Festival, Europe's top television
awards.
Ricky
Gervais said: "It hasn't really sunk in yet. It's absolutely
fantastic - a highlight of my career. Here I am, this fat bloke
from Reading sharing a room with Jack Nicholson, Bill Murray and
Michael Douglas. It's fantastic."
Mackenzie
Crook, who is currently filming in Italy, jokingly warned the voters:
"Think very carefully before you let David Brent into your
hearts and your homes."
Paul
Lee, CEO Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ AMERICA added: "We are thrilled. Ricky Gervais,
Stephen Merchant and the entire cast and production team have created
a comic masterpiece in The Office. We'd like to thank the Hollywood
Foreign Press Association for once again recognising shows that
are truly groundbreaking. This is a watershed moment for Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ America."
Rupert
Gavin, Chief Executive, Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Worldwide said: "This major success
for The Office recognises the amazing job Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ America has done in
bringing the series to new audiences across the US. Without this
TV platform, The Office, along with other highly creative British
made productions, would not have been given the audience they deserve.
I congratulate Ricky and the team on this major coup for British
talent."
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ
Worldwide has achieved great success with The Office. The Office
series two DVD became the fastest ever selling DVD of a TV series
in the UK. The combined sales of series one and two have now sold
almost two millions units - the company will release the DVD in
the US later this year. The Christmas specials will be released
on DVD in the UK this Autumn. The programme is licensed to more
than 100 countries and territories around the world.
Filmed
in spoof documentary style, The Office chronicles the daily lives
of employees at Wernham Hogg, a fictional paper supply company situated
in the small town of Slough near London. David Brent (Ricky Gervais)
is a smug lower middle manager that makes appalling jokes and constantly
craves the affection of his staff. His team include army-obsessed
office creep Gareth played by Mackenzie Crook (Pirates of the Caribbean),
smart under-achiever Tim played by Martin Freeman (Love Actually)
and Dawn played by Lucy Davis (Pride and Prejudice), the bored but
sweet receptionist who is the tolerant butt of many sexist jibes.
An
encore presentation of season two of The Office can be seen on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ
AMERICA, Thursdays from January 29 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.
Note
to editors:
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ AMERICA, available in 40 million homes across the US, brings
audiences a new generation of award-winning television featuring
razor-sharp comedies, provocative dramas, life-changing makeovers
and news with a uniquely global perspective. Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ AMERICA pushes
the boundaries to deliver high quality, highly addictive and eminently
watchable programming to viewers who demand more. Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ AMERICA is
distributed by Discovery Networks. It is available on digital cable
and satellite TV.
For
more information about Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ AMERICA visit .
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