George Clooney has publicly spoken out in support of his fellow actors following sharp criticism from Quentin Tarantino, making his position clear during the AARP Movies for Grownups Awards. The incident has intensified a simmering dispute between Clooney and Tarantino, drawing attention across Hollywood as Clooney defends fellow actors like Paul Dano, Matthew Lillard, and Owen Wilson.
Clooney Shows Solidarity After Tarantino’s Harsh Words
At the AARP Movies for Grownups Awards on January 10, George Clooney, age 64, received recognition as best actor for his role in “Jay Kelly.” Using his platform, Clooney addressed recent disparaging comments from Tarantino and expressed his respect for certain actors recently targeted by the director. Clooney singled out Paul Dano, Matthew Lillard, and Owen Wilson for praise despite the recent controversy.
“By the way, Paul Dano and Owen Wilson and Matthew Lillard, I would be honored to work with those actors. Honored,”
Clooney stated as he acknowledged his peers during the event. – George Clooney, Actor
He elaborated on the collaborative spirit of his latest film project, emphasizing the importance of actors to the industry’s creative process.
“Made by people who love actors — that’s an important part. People I’ve known most of my life… actually, most of them are actors. I have a great affinity [for them], and I don’t enjoy watching people be cruel.”
– George Clooney, Actor
Tarantino’s Harsh Critique Sparks Hollywood Tension
The controversy erupted in December 2025, when Quentin Tarantino, known for award-winning films like “Kill Bill,” shared harsh opinions about several actors during an appearance on “The Bret Easton Ellis Podcast.” Tarantino disparaged Paul Dano as “weak sauce,” and said,
“He’s just such a weak, weak, uninteresting guy,”
before going further by labeling Dano
“the weakest f***ing actor in SAG.”
Tarantino did not limit his criticism to Dano; he said that he “can’t stand” Owen Wilson, despite having previously named “Midnight in Paris” among his favorite films of the century, and also made it clear that he does not “care” for Matthew Lillard.
“Oddly enough, I really can’t stand Owen Wilson. I mean, I can’t stand him,”
Tarantino remarked about Wilson. – Quentin Tarantino, Director
Reactions From Those Targeted and the Broader Hollywood Community
Matthew Lillard addressed the situation during a December appearance at GalaxyCon in Columbus, Ohio. His response revealed both resilience and vulnerability in the face of high-profile criticism.
“Quentin Tarantino this week said he didn’t like me as an actor. Eh, whatever. Who gives a s***,”
Lillard commented. – Matthew Lillard, Actor
Lillard admitted the remarks had a personal effect.
“It hurts your feelings. It f***ing sucks. And you wouldn’t say that to Tom Cruise. You wouldn’t say that to somebody who’s a top-line actor in Hollywood.”
– Matthew Lillard, Actor
This episode forms part of a wider pattern of tense exchanges between Tarantino and Clooney. In July 2023, Tarantino questioned Clooney’s box office draw, stating,
“It’s been a long while since I think George Clooney has drawn anybody to an audience. When was the last time that he had a hit in this millennium?”
– Quentin Tarantino, Director
Clooney Addresses the Ongoing Rift
The war of words continued into 2024. In a candid interview with GQ, Clooney acknowledged that Tarantino’s repeated jabs had affected him.
“Quentin said some s*** about me recently, so I’m a little irritated by him,”
Clooney admitted. – George Clooney, Actor
He detailed the sting from being dismissed by Tarantino as a lesser movie star compared to names like Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, and Margot Robbie.
“He did some interview where he was naming movie stars, and he was talking about [Brad Pitt], and somebody else, and then this guy goes, ‘Well, what about George?’ He goes, ‘He’s not a movie star.’ And then he literally said something like, ‘Name me a movie since the millennium.’ And I was like, ‘Since the millennium? That’s kind of my whole f***ing career.’”
– George Clooney, Actor
Concluding the interview, Clooney made his feelings unmistakably clear.
“So now I’m like, all right, dude, f*** off. I don’t mind giving him s***. He gave me s***,”
Clooney said. – George Clooney, Actor
The Ongoing Impact on Hollywood
This exchange between two of the industry’s most visible names underscores the pressures and scrutiny faced by actors in Hollywood. The episode highlights how public figures such as Clooney, Paul Dano, Matthew Lillard, and Owen Wilson navigate both professional achievements and high-profile criticism, while powerful voices like Quentin Tarantino’s can provoke significant emotional and career challenges. As the dispute continues, the broader community takes note of how both established talents and respected filmmakers shape industry conversations, further influencing experiences of actors across the entertainment landscape.
