USA TODAY International Edition
Star moments as actors honor their own
Reliving the speeches, surprises and snubs at the Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Dating apps and Adam Sandler. The acceptance speeches at Sunday’s Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles covered a lot of ground and offered many moments of note.
The inspired- by- true- life Fox News drama “Bombshell,” about the downfall of then- CEO Roger Ailes after allegations of sexual harassment, was riding high with four nominations at the start of the night. But the cast walked away without any trophies when all was said and done. That wasn’t the only surprise. The stars of “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” were shocked when they overtook “Fleabag” to win best ensemble in a comedy series.
While “Irishman” star Robert De Niro surprisingly was snubbed in the nominations, he was honored by SAG with a lifetime achievement award.
De Niro, who hasn’t been shy about expressing his disdain for President Donald Trump, encouraged the audience to support leaders who endorse unions.
The evening where actors celebrated actors delivered those moments and more:
Brad Pitt has a Tinder moment
Brad Pitt brought the funny during his acceptance speech for supporting actor in a movie.
“I gotta add this to my Tinder profile,” he joked.
He also gave a shout- out to the feet of his “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” co- stars Margot Robbie, Margaret Qualley and Dakota Fanning. “Seriously, ( director) Quentin ( Tarantino) has separated more women from their shoes than the TSA.”
Pitt also took aim at himself. “Let’s be honest, it was a difficult part – a guy who gets high, takes his shirt off and doesn’t get on with his wife,” he said. “It was a big stretch.”
One ex- wife present seemed to enjoy Pitt’s moment. Similar to her reaction to his win at the Golden
Globes this month, Jennifer Aniston smiled at her former love.
Robert De Niro’s speech takes a political turn
After the winner of the life achievement award commended SAG- AFTRA, De Niro urged Americans to vote for those who back unions. “Political leaders who support unions are more likely to support ( the) Affordable Care Act, equitable taxes, humane immigration regulations, a safe environment, a diverse citizenry, reproductive rights, sensible gun control, and fair wages and benefits,” he said. “We owe them our support, and we owe them our vote.”
Speaking to those who think he shouldn’t be talking politics, he said: “As a citizen, I have as much right as anybody – an actor, an athlete, a musician, anybody else – to voice my opinion. And if I have a bigger voice because of my situation, I’m gonna to use it whenever I see blatant abuse of power.”
‘ Joker’ star Joaquin Phoenix lauds Heath Ledger
“Joker” star Joaquin Phoenix devoted his time in the spotlight to praise his fellow actors, including one who played the title character before him.
“Really, I’m standing here on the shoulders of my favorite actor, Heath Ledger,” he said as he accepted the award for best actor in a film.
Phoenix also recalled the force that was Leonardo DiCaprio, even as a young actor.
“There would always be, like, two other guys that I was up against, and we’d always lose to this one kid,” Phoenix remembered, sharing that he’d ask: “Who is this Leonardo?”
To Christian Bale, he made a plea: “You never turn in a bad performance. It’s infuriating. I wish you would. One time, just suck once.”
Phoenix said he was “so moved” by Adam Driver’s performance, telling him: “You should be here.”
The actor also had kind words for “Rocketman” star Taron Egerton. “You’re so beautiful in this movie,” he said. “I can’t wait to see what else you do.”
Aniston acknowledges a snubbed Adam Sandler
Aniston thinks Adam Sandler is a gem and acknowledged the actor who did not receive an Oscar or SAG nomination for his dramatic performance in “Uncut Gems.”
“Adam Sandler, your performance is extraordinary, and your magic is real,” she said of her co- star in “Murder Mystery” and “Just Go With It.” “Buddy, I love you.”
“Who knew that emotional breakdowns felt that good?” she said of her role as Alex Levy on “The Morning Show,” for which she won best actress in a drama series. “It was literally like seven months of therapy.”
Renée Zellweger compliments her ‘ Jerry Maguire’ co- star Tom Cruise
He has really had her since “Hello.” Renée Zellweger threw it back to her co- star from the 1996 rom- com when expressing her appreciation for her fellow actors.
“Tom Cruise, for your example of professionalism on set and striving for excellence and generosity and unconditional kindness,” she said, honoring her onscreen love.
Alex Borstein drops F- bomb, praises ‘ Fleabag’
Winning the award for ensemble in a comedy series caught “Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” actress Alex Borstein by surprise.
“I voted for ‘ Fleabag.’ This is really weird. This makes no sense,” she said of her fellow nominee.
The victory left her flustered enough that she let out an F- bomb.
Rachel Brosnahan concurred that the award was “a mistake” and dedicated it to their late co- star Brian Tarantina.
Tony Shalhoub, who won actor in a comedy series for “Mrs. Maisel,” also dedicated his award to Tarantina, whom he called “the most marvelous.”
“Our brother, here’s to you,” Shalhoub said, raising the trophy.
Tarantina died Nov. 3 at age 60, the result of an accidental drug overdose, according to the New York City Medical Examiner’s office.