The Severance cast honors John Turturro at MOMI awards, celebrating his decades-spanning career and powerful impact on television and film, during a lively Manhattan event. Friends, colleagues, and iconic co-stars, including Patricia Arquette and Christopher Walken, gathered at the Museum of the Moving Image’s Spring Moving Image Awards in New York City to applaud Turturro’s achievements and lasting influence.
John Turturro Receives High Praise from Fellow Severance Cast Members
John Turturro, recognized as an “actor’s actor,” has left his mark on film and television over the last 45 years, collaborating with esteemed directors such as Spike Lee and the Coen Brothers. Celebrated for his performances from movies to television staples like Monk—where he won a Primetime Emmy—Turturro’s impressive résumé also includes pivotal roles in The Night Of, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, and most notably, Severance on Apple TV+. At the MOMI gala, he was honored alongside Sony Pictures Entertainment Motion Picture Group Chairman and CEO Tom Rothman, with his Severance team joining to celebrate this milestone.
Christopher Walken, who has shared the screen with Turturro and has known him since the 1980s, marveled at their long-standing friendship and recent performance as Burt Goodman and Irving Bailiff, two characters whose poignant romance in Severance captivated audiences.
“I’ve known John for almost 50 years, and that’s the basis of our relationship in Severance,”
said Walken on the red carpet. —Christopher Walken, Actor. Walken also praised Turturro’s talents behind the camera, adding,
“[John] directs and makes his own movies. I’ve done three [Illuminata, Romance & Cigarettes, The Jesus Rolls] of them,”
—Christopher Walken, Actor, and further reflected,
“I’ve worked with him in all sorts of different places.”
—Christopher Walken, Actor.
Patricia Arquette Reflects on the Magic of Working With Turturro
Patricia Arquette, who often acted alongside Turturro as Harmony Cobel versus his dedicated Irving B., explained the impact he has on those around him.
“There’s a joy of creation that comes out of him that’s contagious,”
said Arquette. —Patricia Arquette, Actor. She described Turturro as a “true team player,” emphasizing,
“he holds space for other people.”
—Patricia Arquette, Actor.
Diving into their dynamic on Severance, Arquette commented on the complexity of their characters and Turturro’s deep connection to the show’s mythology. She noted Irving’s loyalty within Lumon and affection for the Eagans, the mysterious corporate family at the center of the series, sharing that Irving
“loved the Eagans and the history of the Eagans.”
—Patricia Arquette, Actor. Highlighting a particularly moving storyline, Arquette described the on-screen relationship between Burt and Irving:
“There’s so much purity in that whole love affair, there’s so much longing, there is so much sadness,”
—Patricia Arquette, Actor.
Trammel Tillman Shares Memorable Moments With Turturro
Trammel Tillman, portraying manager Seth Milchick on Severance, first admired Turturro’s work from his role in Do The Right Thing, recognizing his unique screen presence.
“He really stood out for me,”
—Trammel Tillman, Actor. Tillman was both inspired and thrilled to collaborate with Turturro on Severance.
“When I watched him, I said, this man is electrifying, and I want to see more of him.”
—Trammel Tillman, Actor. He also described Turturro as a “generous, kind, supportive” colleague who helped to elevate scenes, especially during memorable, emotionally charged moments.
One especially tough scene Tillman recalled involved Milchick dismissing Irving, which became a showcase for Turturro’s emotional depth and dedication.
“One scene that is very memorable is when Milchik had to basically fire Irving on the spot,”
—Trammel Tillman, Actor. Tillman reflected on the pain of the scene, stating,
“That was painful because this was Milchick having to say goodbye to a Lumon employee who was so valuable and so loyal to Kier.”
—Trammel Tillman, Actor.
The Ensemble’s Warm Admiration of John Turturro
Turturro expressed gratitude for his Severance castmates, celebrating their talent and camaraderie.
“It’s just a good group of people,”
—John Turturro, Actor. He discussed his connections with several cast members, particularly Christopher Walken and Patricia Arquette, saying,
“Chris and I have known each other for many years, and we’ve done many projects together. Patricia, I’ve known and loved her work forever.”
—John Turturro, Actor. While some, like Tillman, Adam Scott, Britt Lower, and Zach Cherry, were new collaborators, Turturro was quick to praise his experience with the entire group:
“It’s been fun getting to know them over a longer period of time.”
—John Turturro, Actor.
Support From Beyond the Severance Family
The admiration for Turturro extended beyond the Severance ensemble. At the awards event, video messages from renowned voices including Spike Lee, Andi MacDowell, and Julianne Moore were played, underlining the respect and affection Turturro commands throughout Hollywood and among audiences.
The Broader Impact of the Celebration
The MOMI awards gathering in NYC not only showcased the immense talent of John Turturro but also highlighted the unity and mutual respect within the Severance cast. The event, underscored by laughter, stories, and heartfelt tributes from both peers and legends such as Rosie Perez, brought together major figures from Apple TV+, film, and television, reinforcing Turturro’s status as a beloved and influential performer whose career bridges genres and generations.
As the Severance cast honors John Turturro at MOMI awards, the evening signaled more than a personal milestone—it celebrated the collaborative spirit, enduring friendships, and creative brilliance that propel the world of entertainment forward. With such a supportive ensemble, viewers and colleagues alike eagerly anticipate the next chapter in Turturro’s remarkable journey.
