George Clooney Takes a Stand for Kindness, Defends Fellow Actors After Tarantino Remarks

George Clooney is making one thing clear: cruelty has no place in Hollywood.

A month after director Quentin Tarantino sparked controversy with harsh comments about several actors, Clooney used his moment in the spotlight to push back — with class, conviction and a clear message about respect.

While accepting his Best Actor honor for Jay Kelly at AARP’s Movies for Grownups Awards, Clooney directly addressed the actors Tarantino had criticized: Paul Dano, Owen Wilson, and Matthew Lillard.

“I would be honored to work with those actors. Honored,” Clooney said, drawing a clear line between criticism and cruelty. He went on to praise Jay Kelly as a film made by people who genuinely love actors — something he said matters deeply to him.

“I have a great affinity for actors,” Clooney added. “And I don’t enjoy watching people be cruel. We’re living in a time of cruelty. We don’t need to be adding to it.”

The Backstory

Tarantino made headlines in December 2025 after delivering blunt — and widely criticized — takes on Dano, Wilson and Lillard. He previously took a swipe at Clooney as well, claiming the Oscar winner wasn’t a real movie star, despite the two having worked together in From Dusk Till Dawn.

Clooney later addressed the remark in an interview with GQ, admitting he was irritated but unfazed. Reflecting on his early career, he said it was still “a great time as a young actor” — a sentiment he clearly still holds.

At the AARP ceremony, Clooney even joked about the competition, quipping that his win was helped by the fact that Timothée Chalamet is “too goddamn young.”

Gratitude and Full-Circle Moments

Clooney also used the moment to express deep gratitude for working with director Noah Baumbach on Jay Kelly, calling the script “beautiful” and saying he couldn’t believe his luck landing the role.

Another emotional highlight came when Clooney reunited with Laura Dern, whom he first worked with on Grizzly II: Revenge, his very first movie. “I couldn’t believe the luck,” he said, reflecting on how far the journey had taken him.

As he wrapped up his speech, Clooney struck a hopeful note. “It’s going to be a long, tough couple of years,” he said. “But we’ll all get through it together.”

A Lighthearted Finish

The night ended on a warm, playful note when Clooney’s former ER co-star Noah Wyle presented him with the award. Clooney later returned the favor when Wyle won for The Pitt, joking that AARP should launch a “Sexiest Man Still Alive” issue.

“I’d nominate Noah Wyle as the first guy,” Clooney said with a grin. “When I grow up, I want to be Noah Wyle.”

In an industry often fueled by sharp words and sharper egos, Clooney’s message landed simply — and powerfully: talent deserves respect, and kindness still matters.