‘Outlander’ Author Diana Gabaldon Believes It Is Only A Matter Of Time Until Sam Heughan Is Finally Awarded For His Work As Jamie Fraser

Diana Gabaldon is a firm believer that Outlander star Sam Heughan will eventually win an award for his role as Jamie Fraser in the popular time-traveling drama. While the actor has received widespread praise as one of the leads in Outlander, he has yet to win any major award for his efforts.

According to Scotland Now, fans were disappointed after Heughan failed to gain a nomination in the 2016 Golden Globes even though several of his co-stars did. In fact, along with the series winning a nomination for Best Drama Series, both Caitriona Balfe and Tobias Menzies also received nominations in the categories of Best Drama Actress and Best Supporting Actor.

In speaking about Heughan’s lack of nominations and awards, Gabaldon explained why she thought Heughan’s performance during the first season of Outlander was great. However, she admitted that Outlander’s new status is likely one reason why Heughan was not recognized.

“I don’t think anyone could’ve watched the final scenes of the first season and failed to appreciate his wonderful performance,” she stated. “The leading man categories have an immense number of really, really talented actors and all of them more established than we are at the moment.”

Gabaldon, who penned the book series and takes an active role in the television adaptation, also discussed some of the traits that make Heughan such a good actor. Given his talents in the acting department, Gabaldon expressed little doubt that Heughan’s future will be bright.

“It’s amazing to watch him drop in and out of character, and he does it a lot quicker and more complete than most. He’s a really nice, smart, kind guy too and extremely talented too. That combination will take him a long way.”

Whether or not Gabaldon’s words prove to be true is yet to be seen. However, considering the popularity of the series after only one season, the momentum should only continue to grow from here on out. Perhaps this role will help Heughan win one of Hollywood’s prestigious awards after the second season is over.

Speaking of the new season of Outlander, Enstarz is reporting that exciting casting news has surfaced regarding the role of Brianna. While fans have long speculated as to which actress would be selected for the character, it has officially been confirmed that the role of Claire’s daughter will be played by Sophie Skelton from So Awkward.

Brianna is Claire’s daughter from the future and is expected to play a large part in the second season. Beyond that, the character is a favorite with many fans.

In order to celebrate this exciting news, Skelton took to Twitter to inform fans of her new role. “So excited to be joining the #Outlander team and be working with Cait, Sam and Richard!” she wrote.

At the same time, Balfe also joined in the celebrations and dropped a quick note on social media regarding the news. “@SkeltonSophie @Outlander_Starz The biggest welcome to my TV daughter… Welcome to the family. So happy to have you onboard #Brianna,” she posted on Twitter.

Not to be left out of the fun, Heughan also expressed his excitement on Twitter, though with a little more humor than his on-screen wife. “Pah! Still think I should have been Bree….” he wrote. “Still, welcome @SkeltonSophie!!! Smashed it. Now. Behave. Daughter.”

With one of the biggest roles of the new season now cast, things appear to be lining up nicely for Outlander’s second season. Hopefully, as production continues, producers will begin to release photos of Skelton in action.

The second season of Outlander is scheduled to be released sometime in April on Starz.

Tell us! Do you think Outlander will make Sam Heughan a household name? Let us know in the comments and check him out in the Season 2 teaser below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVw1QI178Wk

[Image via Starz]