On the heels of a lead actress honor at the Emmy Awards in September for her role as Marcia Clark in "The People v. O.J. Simpson," Sarah Paulson was nominated for a Golden Globe for her performance. The actress spoke with the L.A. Times on the way to the airport Monday morning.
Q: So, you've long said that you would watch "The People v. O.J. Simpson" after the Emmys. Have you watched?
A: I have not. I know, I know. Well, now it's going to be after Golden Globes.
I think it's a combination of a lot of things. Chiefly, I'm kind of overwhelmed with the response to my work in it. And I'm super hypercritical of myself. I still want to enjoy the exciting celebration of it all and let that be the predominate feeling versus me hating myself for noticing that maybe I didn't use my left hand like Marcia did. I also don't want to watch her lose. Even though I know it happens and I played it, I don't think I can stomach watching it.
Q: Do you still think about the role?
A: I'm still thinking about it and thinking about her. I haven't moved on simply because it was the greatest role of my life to date. And in coming to get to know Marcia, I have an enormous sense of reverence for her and knowing that this was a true story and how all of these lives were affected.
There also seems to be a narrative shift for her. I don't take credit for it. I take credit for helping to bring it to life. But the writers _ it was paramount to them to bring forward the communication of sexism. I think that was very powerful. To be a part of something like that was very rewarding.
Q: We saw you bring her to the Emmys. Do you think you might take Marcia as your date to the Globes come January?
A: I don't know. For the Emmys, it just never occurred to me to bring anyone else. But for Marcia, that whole red carpet madness is not a comfort spot for her. I had to really ask her to please come. She was going to come if she didn't have to do the red carpet. And then it became public knowledge that I was bringing her, and then she couldn't not do the red carpet.
Ultimately, I think she was pleased with how it all turned out. It could have gone another way had I not won, with us sneaking out the back way.
Q: Sterling K. Brown was also nominated. But so was his new series, "This Is Us." I'm so invested in knowing what table he'll sit at _
A: Chrissy Metz (from 'This Is Us') is also nominated! I heard her name and I literally let out a yelp. I think she is an extraordinary actress _ she was in "American Horror Story."
It's always such a thrill when someone has a first time experience. I myself had that experience with "Studio 60." That was the first time I was recognized. I just know what a meaningful thing it is, so I'm so happy for her.
But you were asking about Sterling. Oh, that guy is old news _ he's getting an award every other day!
Q: We need to get you an arc on 'This Is Us."
A: I want to be on it! Dennis O'Hare was recently on it. Can you make it happen? Can you put this out there?
Q: Finally, how would you describe the working relationship you have with Ryan Murphy?
A: Every single great role I have _ in terms of my TV work, has been because of him. This kind of collaboration is not commonplace. I feel incredibly lucky to be in his stable of women.
The thing about Ryan is he's incredibly loyal. He has a way of seeing what you're capable of when you don't think there's a shot in hell that you can do something. You're in a very lucky place when you work with him. He taps things in you that you didn't know you had. It's very empowering.
