Gary Oldman to Receive Golden Icon Award at Edinburgh Television Festival: A Celebration of a Legendary Career
Gary Oldman, the renowned actor known for his role as the gassy spy Jackson Lamb in the AppleTV+ series Slow Horses, is set to receive the prestigious Golden Icon Award at this year's Edinburgh Television Festival. The festival will honor Oldman for his lifetime achievement in the entertainment industry. In addition to the award, Oldman will engage in a conversation with TV presenter Edith Bowman, discussing his career highlights, including his portrayal of Jackson Lamb in Slow Horses.
Born in 1958 in New Cross, South London, Gary Oldman began his career in British theater before gaining recognition for his roles as complex and troubled characters in films like Sid and Nancy and Prick Up Your Ears. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Oldman established himself as a versatile actor, known for his intense performances in movies such as Léon: The Professional and True Romance. His portrayal of iconic characters like Sirius Black in the Harry Potter series and Jim Gordon in Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy further solidified his status in Hollywood.
In the 2000s, Gary Oldman underwent a career reinvention, taking on diverse roles that showcased his range as an actor. His portrayal of George Smiley in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy earned him critical acclaim and his first Oscar nomination. Oldman's transformative performance as Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour earned him an Academy Award, highlighting his ability to embody historical figures with depth and authenticity. Transitioning to television, Oldman's role in Slow Horses has garnered him accolades, with the sixth season set to premiere on Apple TV on September 16.
The 2026 Edinburgh Television Festival, scheduled to take place from August 25 to 28, will celebrate Gary Oldman's contributions to the entertainment industry with the Golden Icon Award. Oldman expressed gratitude for the recognition, acknowledging the collaborative efforts that have shaped his career. Fans can look forward to his appearance at the festival, where he will reflect on his illustrious career and the impact of Slow Horses on his trajectory in the industry.