Benedict Cumberbatch hosted the Laureus World Sport Awards in Kuala Lumpur yesterday (two days ago? Something?) and here are some photos from the event. I’m not going to do a lot of talking or writing… I’m mostly going to be in the corner moaning softly and whispering, “My Batch… my lovely Cumber…” I haven’t watched the show, of course, but I did look at some videos online to see if there was anything interesting. Well… Benedict sat in the audience with American Olympian (and all-around adorable girl) Missy Franklin and he makes a FILTHY joke about being “stiff” around her.
Benedict is a dirty bird. Bless him. Missy actually picked up the Sportswoman of the Year award at the show. You can read more highlights here. My takeaway: the idea of utilizing Benedict Cumberbatch as the host of a major award show is a good instinct, but he’s so posh and British, I feel like he should have started closer to home. Maybe as the host of a British awards show… not the BAFTAs, per se, but like the London Critics Awards or something. It feels like he could be good at this, but he sort of jumped into something that was much too big too fast.
So… just enjoy the photos. I’ll be in the corner, weeping, rocking softly and whispering to myself.
Photos courtesy of Getty.
He’s adorable.
Hosting sport awards is a bit odd but other actors did it before him.
No I would not hit it. I’d enjoy having coffee and a chat, but there would be no hitting going on. The dude does not do it for me.
I think he would be an interesting fellow to chat with for sure.
Hit it?
Nope.
He does seem genuinely nice (I’d still rather have tea with Tom tho).
ITA, he does nothing for me in terms of sexytimes but he does seem like he’d be interesting to hang out with. If nothing else, his voice is awesome so it’d be fun to chat with him.
Same here. I would not hit it but it would be the most interesting conversation I had with a man in years! And that voice…
Yeah, sign me up for that coffee date, too. He seems nice and funny enough, but I would NOT be hitting anything.
I totally agree. I like his work (just caught up with Sherlock and enjoyed it very much) but have yet to understand this idea that he is hot and attractive and “hittable.” Nope would not hit.
I’ll alert the media.
eww she’s 18 so inappropriate yuck
I wasn’t crazy about that, either. I don’t get a creepy vibe from him, and I think it was unplanned, and fell flat, but I agree, it was inappropriate and unfair to put her in that position. It seemed to go right over her head, though, which was probably for the best.
GoodNamesAllTaken and pinkerton,
He meant he was feeling his age too (getting physically stiff just from sitting, hell I’m in my 20s and that happens now) lol. You guys and Kaiser need to get your minds out of the gutter lol.
Yeah, I said below that maybe I misunderstood. If you just see the clip, it sounds bad, but apparently they were talking about being old and sore earlier. Sorry.
Surely it would have been 99% scripted?? That joke sounds like it had a deliberate double meaning, covering their backsides if the joke was deemed inappropriate so they could say he was referring to his age.
They wouldn’t throw a newbie (sports award host) into the spotlight and let him say whatever fell out of his mouth on a whim. If they did, then he kind of did alright! It would be terrifying to be up there without a script to follow!
@GoodNamesAllTaken
Oh, no big deal, it’s just funny because that interpretation didn’t even dawn on me until I saw it here lol.
@Secret Squirrel
Definitely scripted although not entirely, but I don’t think they would have even tried anything like that at an international children’s charity thing.
It was innocent, no sex intended… Jeee…girls, cold showers for you… Not everything has a second meaning… 😉
Lol, Nighty, I SAID I was sorry!!
Always the answer is NO (Blindfolded is also acceptable)
I don’t believe I’ve ever commented on a BC post before, but I am thinking no as well. As in never ever. Great, that made me think of Taylor Swift, thanks a lot. I hope Swifty and Cumbarbatch get together! (Sorry Kaiser) Talk about alien babies.
This too is why i stay out of BC and the Hiddles frenzy posts
I don’t get the Hiddles love (lust?) either but I’d do Bill Murray in a heart beat, so to each their own.
Oh Lord Mimif. Did you see Bill on the Graham Norton show the other week?? He was so giggly it was absolutely gorgeous! Nice to see he hasn’t lost his sense of fun along the way.
@Secret Squirrel No and thank you! *skips off to giggle with Bill*
Not even with a blindfold.
It’s not so much WOULD I hit it, but more about the how and the where.
I’m more excited by Hamlet being officially confirmed. There are rumours that Gary Oldman may play Claudius. If thats true we’ll never get hold of tickets. The Barbican website went down a few times yesterday due to the news so I dread to think how it will be when its time to book tickets.
Yes, repeatedly…is the answer to your question, K.
Is there room in that corner for me? I’ll bring chocolate and DVDs.
I heard that Cumberbatch pretty much bombed as a host. Anyone else hear that?
Also, I’d love a chance to make him “stiff.”
Perhaps he should have hosted the show as Khan??
It was a tough crowd by all accounts, and judging from clips on tumblr and floating online. The mood was really sombre due to the announcement about the missing flight being officially declared lost with all souls on board gone. Some of the writing seemed pretty off the mark, too, for the speeches and “bits”… It seemed like a combination of factors.
I agree, it wasn’t an ideal situation but I think he did a good job under the circumstances…and of course it was for a good cause. I thought he was cute and entertaining in many of the bits I saw, even if the writing itself wasn’t stellar.
The audience was so somber you would have thought you were in a Presbyterian church. However, I think the announcement about the Malaysian flight put everyone in a funk.
Would not hit it. Ever.
Haha, the joke about being “stiff” was actually a reference to his age as he was talking to Sebastian Vettel just earlier about getting older and, of course, Missy is ridiculously young to be so accomplished!
OK….so glad I am not the only one who thought this! Taken in context it was not a dirty joke!
She said she was stiff. He said, “I’m certainly feeling it sitting next to you.” It sounded like a dirty joke to me.
Update: I read some other comments below. Maybe I just have a dirty mind. I don’t know, now I can see how he may have just meant he felt old. I hope so.
It’s possible it was…I often don’t get dirty jokes! But I just didn’t get that impression.
I wonder if it’s one of those things that sounded totally fine on paper, but when it was said out loud it took on another meaning?
I guess the “stiff” joke went completely over my head as well, I had watched that clip last night and that was not the meaning I took away from his exchange with Missy. She had joked that being around younger athletes made her feel old and stiff, I just thought he was referring to being old and out of shape in comparison to her in the context of the conversation. He didn’t have a lecherous tone by any means….although maybe it was awkward because it ended up sounded bad. Anyhow, perhaps I am naive but I don’t think it was meant to be a dirty joke?
That last photo…Cumby in glasses just does things to me. Much like that other long legged-Brit (who shall remain nameless for the sake of this post). Ugh. Global warming is real….it’s bloody hot in here! Phewww.
For someone so posh, he sure lacks presence and refinement.
No he doesn’t. You can’t judge that by this hosting gig. Nearly every other appearance he’s made he exhibits both of those qualities immensely.
I think a little hint of terror at the scope of what he was doing probably played a part in his less than usual refinement (as perceived by you. I reserve judgment and won’t base an opinion on one short clip!).
🙂
I’d say he has presence alright, but thank god he’s not proper posh to go full upper stiff lip refinement on us, he wouldnt be charming then.
Yes, I’d hit it. I love otters.
Ugh. I think he meant he felt old and out of shape next to her. Come on.
He was super awkward, though. The somber audience didn’t help at all. Speaking of “stiff.”
Agreed.
Yeah, I don’t think it was intended to be dirty. It just was a reference to age that came out as a little awkward. Nothing to see here.
But yeah, the hitting it would go on forever, followed by tea and a long and lovely chat about world events.
Glassesbatch… YES WOULD HIT.
Internet I am so disappointed in you that apparently no one managed to tape the whole thing and upload it?? Come on!
Haha, I was thinking that, too! He has a ton of fans all over the world, and no one has any footage of the ceremony?
If only his everyday style would be less boring…
Love him! I would totally hit it.
I must say… I was a little puzzled by him hosting these awards… it just doesn’t seem like his thing.
Morgan Freeman hosted last year, and it’s usually some famous actor or other hosting. I was given to understand it benefits a children’s charity in the long run so I think they get whoever is super popular or will draw a lot of names/attention to the event, regardless of their abilities hosting.
I doubt you’ll see him become a “go to” host. These awards have some charity ties and Morgan Freeman hosted last year so it’s not your typical gig. A bit of international prestige while those of us in North America go, huh?
He looks good I will say!
I think I mentioned this last week, but it doesn’t seem like BC is working on anything at the present moment. So while hosting an awards ceremony isn’t something he typically does, it is a high-profile event and can get him more visibility, press, etc. I’d think most actors would prefer to do something and garner publicity than sit at home and wait for the phone to ring.
I am also hoping Lorne Michaels catches wind of the ceremony, because wow, would BC do a great job on SNL.
ooh it’s Clark Kent in the last photo
Wow I think he looks really good in the main photo.
would hit it non-stop until I pass out lol. Also I hope in future he is cautious of hosting such stuff, this gig did him no favors. I am looking forward to his visit in Australia maybe we will hear some great fan stories.
It’s not really important if he did good or not, it’s not his job.
It’s a charity gig so even if he had been horrible, and he wasn’t, it was for a good cause.
People can’t keep this against him.
I have read write ups abut the awards and have seen news items on TV and only the winners are mentioned. There are no mentions of the host or any of the presenters. For people interested it was the sports that were important.
I saw most of the event and he did a good job, considering the tragic events. His opening address was very dignified and respectful.
I’d hit it like a barn door in a hurricane. I like to hope that those gorgeous, overly large hands know how to give a good spanking.
You’re too funny lol!
Sorry–it’s still NOOOOOO! He might be the nicest guy in the world but just going by pics–nooooo!
Hit it? Of course. I think it was poster J.Eyre in response to that question to a TH post who said – and this is now my favorite response – “I’d hit it like a broken remote.”
No, no, not even with a blindfold.
Hell yes.
If you’ve never seen him in motion, talking, acting, and you go by still photos alone, I can see how you wouldn’t get the “hitting it.” But when you see him as Sherlock, he has this incredible charisma that’s very sexy, and it’s hard to pick out why; it just IS.
Also Khan, dear God, Khan.
Saw Sherlock, all three seasons. Saw Kahn. Would not hit it EVER. It is a matter of personal taste and it just isn’t for many of us.
Yes it is totally a matter of personal taste but you are generalising too much with your, “it just isn’t for many of us”. It isn’t for you, so be it.
I would definitely hit Benedict Cumberbatch but in a slow and sensual way. He look so handsome and sexy, and he seems to be a very sweet man. So yeah is would hit that, so don’t Judge me.
He was just Messing around with that girl. It was only a joke. Being Posh also. Doesn’t mean you can’t have a sense of humour. I don’t get any class vibe from him whatsoever other than his accent
So yes I’d hit Benny. All the way
Yes, anytime, just talk dirty to me babe:))
One does not simply ‘hit it’ with the Batch! You take your sweet sweet time with him.
On a side note, are those glasses missing lenses? If they are we are going to have a very serious talk about not dressing like a hipster, dude.
No, I think they are real glasses. He was using them to read a script in a picture of him doing voice work…seems he has developed legitimate vision problems. Glasses with missing lenses would be a crime!
phew!
Allons-y! Long time no see! How the heck are you, lady?
The faux hipster glasses HAVE to go. Even if they do have lenses, he appears to take them off every time he actually looks at anything. He’s one douche step away from a paisley shirt and an ironic mustache.
They’re real Persol AR glasses (don’t reflect light head on, but if the lighting is very dim and there’s a bright flash, you’ll see weird lines because of the lenses).
I have a similar pair. {Dang it, T-Fanty LOL! I swear I’m not a hipster, the frames are really sturdy and I am not good with delicate glasses.}
He does have them on in the candid narration recording pics and at the last Cabin Pressure recording when he had to read. I’m guessing Mandy is right, they’re for reading.
T. Fanty! My dearest! I am well. How about you? I hardly get time to come and be amongst my wonderful celebitches! I’ve been working flat out but all for a good cause. I am making the move to the UK this year.
Script or not, hipster glasses are terrible. I cannot stand them!!!
Yep, I’d hit it. With the glasses on this time please!
Oh if he whispered sweet nothings in my ear, I’d certainly be tempted.
I think it’s interesting that after YEARS of women being insulted and irate by men speaking of them in this insulting manner (OMG did you *see* the ass on that one? Oh, would you do that one?) That I see so many WOMEN constantly talking about this poor man in the same way.
So, would I “Hit it?” I decline to answer that as I think it’s insulting. I do think Mr. Cumberbatch is extremely attractive, and talented. Every interview I’ve ever seen or read that he’s done, he’s behaved in a very well mannered and kind, funny, self-effacing manner. He treats his fans well, and goes out of his way to stop and sign autographs, even at the end of a long workday when he could easily ignore them and go home and rest without them knowing how he’d slipped away… he puts on a smile and comes out and signs and chats.
I suppose a lot of his fans are a bit older than the Justin Bieber crowd, so maybe I look at him slightly maternally (yeah, right) he’s not a lot younger than me, but I do have a grown daughter now and when I look at how he’s turned out and how she’s turning out, I like the similarities so far… I’m proud of her successes, and ability to carry herself well in public. So I suppose that may be why it annoys me so when I see how crassly people treat this man. Yes, he’s handsome and unattached, but seriously, he’s not a piece of meat. He’s *obviously* very intelligent, well-mannered and kind– why treat him like you would a stripper at some cheap nightclub? (And even then, most of them are probably college students…)
And seriously, would most of us just jump *anyone* we didn’t know–no matter who they were without getting to know them? I don’t know about you, but I’d really like to know the person a bit… but that’s just me. If I got to meet Mr. Cumberbatch… well, I’d probably be totally unable to speak, I’d be so nervous… but what I’d really like? I’d like to have a couple beers with him, and sit and talk. He seems incredibly intelligent, and like he’d be really fun to talk to. He also seems like he’s been all over the place and has a lot of interesting stories to tell. I’d love to hear them. I think that would be more memorable, to be honest.
Just my thoughts. This has been bugging me for awhile. I’m sure no one will read this and everyone will carry on with their rudeness. Meanwhile, Mr. Cumberbatch has come out in support of Mental Health equality –which is a huge issue I support as I’m a US Navy veteran and it truly pains my heart the number of service men and women we are losing to suicide –mainly because of the twisted attitudes we have about Mental Health care. I am so proud of this man that he had the nerve to come out and say that he uses a professional to assist with his roles. I sincerely pray that the backlash doesn’t hurt him, and that it helps someone out there that is hurting. I thought he was a pretty perfect human being before… and now I just had it re-affirmed.