George Clooney recently spoke at the AARP’s Movies for Grownups Awards, highlighting the current culture of cruelty toward actors. In his acceptance speech for the Best Actor award for his role in “Jay Kelly,” Clooney expressed support for fellow actors Paul Dano, Owen Wilson, and Matthew Lillard, whom he praised despite recent criticism from director Quentin Tarantino.
Support for Fellow Actors
Clooney condemned the negativity prevalent in the industry today. He stated, “I don’t enjoy watching people be cruel to actors.” His comments were a direct defense of Dano, Wilson, and Lillard, reiterating that he would be honored to work alongside them.
Response to Tarantino’s Criticism
In December, Tarantino criticized Dano’s performance in “There Will Be Blood” during an appearance on The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast. He referred to Dano’s acting as “weak sauce” and dubbed him the “weakest f*cking actor in SAG.” He also made disparaging remarks about Wilson and Lillard.
Reflections on the Film Industry
During the awards ceremony, Clooney discussed the importance of kindness in filmmaking. He emphasized that “movies are made by people who love actors” and lamented the unnecessary cruelty faced by performers.
A Humorous Exchange
Clooney did not shy away from humor during the event. He jokingly remarked that winning a Best Actor award meant competing against younger stars such as Timothée Chalamet, saying, “Movies for Grownups just means old people.”
While presenting an award to Noah Wyle, his former co-star from “ER,” Clooney suggested that AARP should introduce a “Sexiest Man Still Alive” issue and humorously declared Wyle as a top contender for the title.
Conclusion
Clooney’s comments serve as a reminder of the camaraderie and mutual respect that should exist among actors. As the industry continues to evolve, his advocacy for kindness may inspire a shift toward a more supportive atmosphere.
