Q: Are you bugging?
A: I am in total shock right now. I could never have expected this in a million years. The other actors in the category are people that I've been studying and admiring for years, so I keep scratching my eyes trying to see what the fifth name is, seeing my name, and then scratching my eyes again.
Q: OK, but for real? Everyone has been saying you're a front-runner.
A: Yeah! I didn't want to anticipate it in any capacity. I really mean it when I say I'm in shock. I'm so happy for Armie [Hammer, his co-star]. I don't think he was expecting it either. We're just trying to keep our expectations low.
Q: So Armie has really become like a brother to you, huh?
A: He really has. Most recently, at that party we were at the other night [GQ Men of the Year] _ because even in situations like that, he'll give life advice. For acting, he's a brother I can turn to. I can't speak more highly about what a talented actor he is. And now I have a best friendship with him and he's a mentor to me.
Q: What's the best advice he's given you?
A: Just to keep one's expectations low and realize it's a director's medium. And also in a positive, grounding sense, to realize that this is momentary and that's why it should be celebrated in the moment. It's 11 a.m. in New York, and I'm sitting here with a huge smile on my face.
Q: You and your supposed doppelganger Freddie Highmore will finally be in the same room at the Globes!
A: I had not had that thought yet! I've heard before that we look alike, and I cracked that joke on Kimmel the other night.
Q: You're a noted fanboy of other celebrities. How are you going to maintain your chill at the Globes?
A: I'm expecting to be a periphery member of an ensemble, there to support the film. There will be a couple of people though that I freak out over. Half the people there I will have seen at Q&As I went to when I was in school, or watched them in YouTube videos online. I'm a big fan at heart. This is why I wanted to leave school [NYU] and start acting _ the thrill of getting to do this at 21 is being contemporaneously inspired by people. Wait, my phone is blowing up right now, Amy. Armie is calling. (Picks up other phone) Congratulations, brother!!! I'm on a call!!!
Q: Have fans talked to you about how meaningful this movie has been for them?
A: Yes, since Sundance on the first night it premiered. Luca [Guadagnino, the film's director], Armie and I all turned to each other and noticed that people were genuinely reflecting upon the movie as a medium to come out and be more in touch with a personal life that wasn't present before the film.
