Sam Claflin covers the July issue of Glamour UK as the magazine’s Man of the Year. Is that surprising? Sam is bigger in the UK than he is in the US. Most stateside fans only know him from Snow White and the Huntsman and as the damaged, devastatingly handsome Finnick Odair from Catching Fire. Sam was widely praised for his portrayal of the heartthrob tribute (especially for the sugar cube scene), but he’s in no danger of running from screaming fans a la Robert Pattinson. Part of this difference can be explained by Sam’s status as a newly married man. Fans are less likely to obsess about a dude that they can’t dream about marrying, right?

Sam looks super curly and cute on his cover. His interview shows how grateful he is for his success. By the way … Sam did read all those things that people said about him not being right for the Finnick role. Awwwkward:

On playing Finnick Odair: “I couldn’t help but come across comments on my casting. They were just everywhere. I started the process thinking I was going to have to have serious surgery to make everyone happy. With a young Brad Pitt’s face, Zac Efron’s abs, Dwayne Johnson’s pecs, and Channing Tatum’s left calf! But it’s impossible to please everyone. I trusted the team that brought you Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss. They had their reasons for picking me and I worked my butt off to prove to any doubters that I was the man for the job.”

On working with Jennifer Lawrence: “She’s this young, talented klutz who has won an Oscar at such a young age and has the entire world loving her. But she deserves every bit of praise she’s received. I can safely say that she genuinely hasn’t and never will let any of it go to her head. She’s an inspiration to me as much as everyone else and I’ve loved having the opportunity to work with her.”

On marrying Laura Haddock: “Getting married was easily one of the greatest achievements of the past 12 months. To have a wife with such wondrous, creative imagination, who planned every inch of it, made the day all the more special. Every five seconds I find myself falling harder and deeper in love with her.”

On his honor as Man of the Year: “It was a tad unexpected, to say the least, but i feel very honored. I’ll continue to do what I’m doing so as not to let you down! I feel truly privileged to have my name along all the previous winners. Thank you very much.”

[From Glamour UK]

The discussion wouldn’t have been complete without a paragraph about Jennifer Lawrence. All of JLaw’s co-stars get asked about her, and they’re pleased to oblige. Sam doesn’t think that fame and success will ever go to Jennifer’s head, and I think he’s right. But it has changed her in a way. There’s no way that her level of fame could leave her unscathed. I mean, JLaw and Sam gave a joint discussion on how much the paparazzi suck, but she’s still the same person she used to be. You can’t ever accuse a person who talks about sh-tting her pants on national tv of thinking she’s above everyone else.

Here’s some photos of Sam with his wife, Laura Haddock, at Glamour’s women of the year event. She’s a lucky lady.

Photos courtest of Glamour UK & WENN