SHE IS ONE OF HER GENERATION’S MOST CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED, AND OUTSPOKEN, ACTORS. SHE CATCHES UP WITH JODIE TURNER-SMITH TO TALK ABOUT FRIENDSHIP AND THE POWER IN STANDING UP FOR HERSELF
FLORENCE PUGH IS QUITE POSSIBLY THE most formidable acting talent of her generation. The 27-year-old Tiffany ambassador is a true presence both on the red carpet and on screen, where she fearlessly brings her intelligence and insight to every role. She embodies every character she plays with depth and humanity, resulting in Oscar and Bafta nominations. But, once the cameras stop rolling, Pugh is equally passionate and outspoken in her own life, often calling out online bullying and body shaming on social media.
But she has a playful side, too. On set for the ELLE Style Awards cover shoot – and slightly hungover – she sips an Aperol Spritz in between takes. She’s as funny as she is strong-willed, empathetic as she is engaged. With Pugh, there’s no filter.
And who better to interview the actor than her friend – and fellow trailblazer – Jodie Turner-Smith? Though neither is able to discuss their films, due to the conversation taking place during the SAG-AFTRA strikes, true friends can talk about anything – and over Zoom (Turner-Smith is on a boat in Croatia; Pugh is in the English countryside) they cover it all, from industry politics to celebrating their bodies…
JODIE TURNER-SMITH: Hi, how are you? I adore you. FLORENCE PUGH: Hi, baby. I adore you! I’m good. It’s been an interesting summer. I was supposed to work for six months in Atlanta, and it’s all just gone. So I’m adjusting to that. It’s bizarre being this free.
JTS: It’s a strange time. On a lighter note, I would love to talk about how the two of us met…
FP: I remember this more than you! I distinctly remember at the 2020 Baftas at the Royal Albert Hall seeing you, and you’re wearing this big, beautiful yellow dress with your wonderful baby bump. You gave me a little wry smile. I gave you a wry little wave. I didn’t sleep: I was celebrating with my friends and went straight to the airport the next morning. You were in the queue ahead of me with your husband and you laughed because I had the same hairdo you’d seen a few hours before. That’s where we met. When you hosted the British Fashion Awards [in 2022], I thought, ‘Oh, no, she won’t remember me…’
JTS: That’s hilarious. In my defence, I wa
