At the AARP Movies for Grownups Awards, George Clooney addressed the recent Quentin Tarantino criticism controversy, openly pushing back against the director’s disparaging remarks towards actors Paul Dano, Owen Wilson, and Matthew Lillard. Clooney’s intervention comes as Tarantino faces widespread backlash for his public statements, adding further tension to an already heated discussion within the film community.
Clooney Responds to Tarantino’s Harsh Critique of Fellow Actors
George Clooney delivered his remarks on Saturday after winning Best Actor for his role as Jay Kelly, using his acceptance speech to openly respond to Quentin Tarantino’s comments. Tarantino, who has become known for his bold and often provocative opinions, had recently criticized Dano, Wilson, and Lillard on a podcast, with comments that many found unnecessarily severe.
Tarantino’s statements included calling Paul Dano
“the weakest f**king actor in SAG,”
and admitting he “can’t stand” Owen Wilson, as well as expressing general disinterest in Matthew Lillard’s work. These pointed critiques led to immediate reactions from actors and industry peers.
Clooney, in particular, chose to address the matter head-on, stating,
“By the way, Paul Dano and Owen Wilson, and Matthew Lillard, I would be honored to work with those actors. Honored,”
— George Clooney, Actor/Director. His remarks drew applause from attendees and further highlighted the divide between the two celebrated filmmakers.
The Importance of Respect in Hollywood
Continuing his speech, Clooney reflected on the value of supporting actors and fostering a respectful environment on set. He emphasized,
“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/Director.
He drove the point home with another statement:
“We are living in a time of cruelty. We don’t need to be adding to it.”
— George Clooney, Actor/Director. This echoed the sentiments of others in the industry who have voiced their disapproval of public criticism among colleagues.
Tarantino’s History of Bold Claims
This controversy is not the first time Tarantino has targeted fellow professionals. In 2024, he directly commented on George Clooney’s career, stating that Clooney “wasn’t a movie star,” which prompted further conflict between the two. Clooney responded to this in GQ, saying,
“Quentin said some shit about me recently, so I’m a little irritated by him.”
— George Clooney, Actor/Director. Tarantino’s opinions have continued to fuel debates regarding fair criticism and the boundaries of professional conduct.
Impact on Industry Relationships
The Quentin Tarantino criticism controversy has gained significant attention, with Clooney’s and other celebrities’ defenses of Paul Dano, Owen Wilson, and Matthew Lillard reflecting larger questions about respect, camaraderie, and the way the film industry handles internal criticism. As public figures express their stances, the discussion about maintaining professionalism and empathy within Hollywood is likely to intensify, especially as awards events like the AARP Movies for Grownups Awards bring these issues to the forefront.
