At the AARP Movies for Grownups Awards on January 13, 2026, George Clooney publicly defended actors Paul Dano, Owen Wilson, and Matthew Lillard in response to harsh criticism from director Quentin Tarantino. During his acceptance speech for the Best Actor award for his role in “Jay Kelly,” Clooney emphasized respect for his colleagues, highlighting his stance as part of an ongoing debate within Hollywood about the treatment of actors. In this context, the spotlight on “George Clooney defends fellow actors” has intensified discussions about civility and appreciation in the film industry.
Clooney’s Response at the Awards Ceremony
During a weekend event for the AARP Movies for Grownups Awards, George Clooney used his acceptance speech to address recent negative comments aimed at fellow actors Paul Dano, Owen Wilson, and Matthew Lillard. While receiving recognition for his performance, Clooney said the film “Jay Kelly” was created by people with genuine affection for actors. In his words,
about… and made by people who love actors
Clooney further added he does not
enjoy watching people be cruel to actors.
and underscored the respect he has for the talents under fire.
Clooney openly stated his admiration by saying he would be proud to collaborate with any of the three actors who faced recent public criticism. He called for greater kindness in entertainment, noting the prevalence of negativity and urging the industry to avoid worsening it. Clooney concluded with gratitude for the honor and optimism, offering,
I’m very happy to be here. Very happy to see all of you, and thank you for this, and thank you for… It’s gonna be a long, tough couple of years, but we’ll all get through it together, okay?
Details of Tarantino’s Critique
The recent debate began when legendary director Quentin Tarantino appeared on the Bret Easton Ellis podcast. While discussing his favorite films of the 21st century, Tarantino placed Paul Thomas Anderson’s “There Will Be Blood” fifth on his list, but stated that Paul Dano’s presence kept the film from ranking higher. Tarantino argued that Dano’s performance fell short next to Daniel Day-Lewis and claimed the dynamic lacked the partnership the film intended.
Tarantino commented that Dano was, in his view, not a strong counterpart and described him as unconvincing. He elaborated by saying that another actor, such as Austin Butler, might have brought something different to the role, remarking Dano was “a weak, weak, uninteresting guy.” In particular, Tarantino wanted to clarify he wasn’t labeling the performance terrible, but said,
I’m saying he’s giving a non-entity [performance]. I don’t care for him. I don’t care for Owen Wilson, I don’t care for Matthew Lillard.
Tarantino’s remarks sparked an intense and emotional discussion across the industry.
Hollywood Community Rallies in Support
Following Tarantino’s comments, industry peers came together to express support for Paul Dano and, by extension, for the broader community of actors facing criticism. Director Matt Reeves, who worked with Dano on the 2022 film “The Batman,” spoke out on social media, stating,
Paul Dano is an incredible actor, and an incredible person.
His comments were soon followed by Hollywood star Ben Stiller, who posted,
Paul Dano is f-ing brilliant (sic)
on his social account, echoing the sentiment of appreciation for Dano’s craft.
Actor Simu Liu, known for his leading role in
“Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings,”
also lent his voice of praise, sharing,
idk man i think paul dano is an incredible actor (sic)
These public endorsements reveal the widespread respect for Dano among actors, directors, and audiences alike.
Reflections on Support and Solidarity
The outpouring of backing for Dano has not gone unnoticed, with established actor Ethan Hawke reflecting on the wave of positivity and the emotional challenges such criticism can pose. On the Joe Rogan podcast, Hawke commented on the experience Dano might have faced, saying,
“I don’t think Paul Dano ever knew that so many people loved him.”
He noted that such public scrutiny can be difficult,
“He’s gotta wake up one morning and find out this director’s went off on him and saying these hateful things, but anyone who knows Quentin knows he just talks and talks.”
Hawke also praised Dano’s personal qualities,
“Anyone who knows Paul knows he’s a world-class human being,”
and observed the collective affirmation, concluding,
All this love for Paul is coming out. There’s a great lesson in that. You don’t have to worry about the negativity people send your way.
Looking Ahead: Impact of the Debate
This recent exchange reflects deeper ongoing tensions in Hollywood regarding public criticism and the camaraderie between artists. The support for Paul Dano from influential figures like George Clooney, Matt Reeves, Ben Stiller, Simu Liu, and Ethan Hawke underlines a wider call for kindness and mutual respect in entertainment. The dialogue ignited by Tarantino’s remarks has fueled not only passionate reactions but also conversations about how the industry values its members and addresses disagreement. As the community discusses these themes, the dialogue stirred by Clooney and his peers may influence future discourse on how artists are treated both on and off screen.
