Koch was nominated for best performance by a male actor in a limited series, anthology series or a motion picture made for television, for his role as Erik Menendez in “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.”
Did you wake up at 5 a.m. to watch the nominations being announced?
I wanted to sleep through it, but then my body just naturally woke up, and then we put it on, and, I don’t know, I was ready to be disappointed. But then it happened, and I was just floored.
Why were you ready to be disappointed?
You never know how these things will go. I feel it’s best to not have any expectations. So to have it happen is just so overwhelming.
Let’s take a look at who you’re up against: Colin Farrell, Richard Gad, Kevin Kline, Ewan McGregor and Andrew Scott.
It is a pretty legendary lineup. It feels crazy to be listed among those names. It’s unbelievable.
Did you scream, did you cry when you heard your name?
I am a crier but I didn’t cry. I think the adrenaline was so much. I was just like, “Oh, my God! Oh, my God!” Then my partner [filmmaker Stuart McClave] and I embraced and we hugged for a while and he told me he was really proud of me.
Who did you hear from first? Who texted you right away?
My team. They FaceTimed me and they were all freaking out. But then I also got a text congratulating me from Colman Domingo.
When will you start writing your acceptance speech?
I think I’m just gonna wing it [laughs].
Who will you bring to the Globes?
My partner and my twin brother Payton. They’ll have to battle it out — or maybe they’ll let me bring both of them.
What kind of meetings and scripts have you been getting since “Monsters”?
I’m meeting with some really, really cool producers and some really cool directors, and meeting with the studios. I’m so lucky that I signed with UTA. They’ve been amazing and have been helping me get those meetings, and it’s just been great. I have nothing specific I can say right now. I’m being patient and picky, but everything that’s been coming my way has been great, and I’m just lucky and fortunate to be in the position that I’m in now. It’s very, very surreal.
Have you heard from Kim Kardashian this morning yet?
No, not yet. She’s probably still getting her beauty sleep.
She should be sending you a Skims basket or something.
Maybe [laughs]. We’ll see.
When was the last time you spoke to Erik Menendez?
It’s been a minute, but hopefully soon. I texted [Erik’s wife] Tammy recently just to send my love.
How are you feeling today about Erik and Lyle’s chances of being released from prison?
I feel good. I still have cautious optimism, because you just never know with these things. They pushed their latest court date, so that was a little disappointing because I know that their family members are older and they wanted them to be home for the holidays. I’m still really positive. One of the first things that I thought about when I got the nomination was: “Oh my gosh, this gives me another moment to have a stage and a platform to advocate for them and speak about them.” I’m super grateful that I get to do that again.
Besides “Monsters,” what other series have you been watching?
When I was shooting the show, everyone started talking about “Baby Reindeer,” and then I started watching that. I binged it in one day. Absolutely loved that show. “Ripley” is amazing, and I still have to finish “Disclaimer.”
Have you seen “Wicked”? Are you a musical boy?
Oh, yes. When I couldn’t sleep last night, I kept singing, “I’m limited,” from “For Good.”
As an out actor in Hollywood, have you been hearing from young LGBTQ people thanking you?
I don’t have social media, so I don’t have that direct line of communication, but if I’m letting young gay boys or girls or anyone in the LGBTQIA+ community be seen and heard, that makes me so happy. I’m so grateful that I can be an advocate and a person to look up to.
Why don’t you have any social media? Do you have secret accounts?
I really don’t. I don’t have a Finsta. It’s just not good for me. It’s not good for my brain. But I do see some stuff because someone will send me a tweet when it’s something good.