George Clooney Commends Paul Dano, Owen Wilson, and Matthew Lillard After Quentin Tarantino’s Remarks
At the AARP Movies for Grownups Awards this past Saturday, George Clooney addressed the prevailing atmosphere of cruelty in the entertainment industry, notably defending actors Paul Dano, Owen Wilson, and Matthew Lillard. His comments come in the wake of negative remarks made by director Quentin Tarantino, who previously criticized Dano’s performance.
While accepting the best actor award for *Jay Kelly*, Clooney expressed his discomfort with how actors are treated. “I don’t enjoy watching people be cruel to actors, and by the way, Paul Dano and Owen Wilson and Matthew Lillard, I would be honored to work with those actors. Honored,” he said.
He emphasized, “We are living in a time of cruelty. We don’t need to be adding to it.” This poignant statement underscores the pervasive negativity actors often face.
Tarantino’s remarks originated during a December episode of *The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast*, where he harshly critiqued Dano’s performance in *There Will Be Blood*. He labeled it as “weak sauce” and described Dano as the “weakest f*cking actor in SAG,” also disparaging Lillard and Wilson.
Clooney’s comments at the AARP event highlighted his respect for actors and his belief that films should be passionate endeavors. “The movie was made by people who love actors,” he remarked, adding that he possesses “a great affinity” for them.
In addition to his serious reflections, Clooney showcased his trademark humor. He jokingly remarked on receiving the *Grownups* award, stating, “Movies for Grownups just means old people. I realize now that the only way I was going to win anything [tonight] is that Timothée Chalamet is too goddamn young.”
Later in the evening, while presenting a best actor award to former *ER* costar Noah Wyle for *The Pitt*, Clooney playfully suggested that AARP should consider a “Sexiest Man Still Alive” feature, naming Wyle as his first nomination. “When I grow up, I want to be Noah Wyle,” he added, drawing laughter from the audience.
