George Clooney Responds to Quentin Tarantino’s Criticism, Stands Up for Paul Dano and Fellow Actors Tarantino Insulted

George Clooney spoke out in defense of actors Paul Dano, Owen Wilson, and Matthew Lillard during his acceptance speech at the AARP Movies for Grownups Awards on Saturday.

The Oscar-winning star took home the Best Actor award for his role in Jay Kelly and used the moment to push back against recent criticism from director Quentin Tarantino.

“By the way, Paul Dano and Owen Wilson and Matthew Lillard, I would be honored to work with those actors. Honored,” Clooney said. He added that Jay Kelly was “made by people who love actors,” explaining, “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.”

Clooney took aim at the culture of harsh criticism in Hollywood. “We are living in a time of cruelty,” he said. “We don’t need to be adding to it.”

Tarantino made headlines in December when he publicly criticized Dano, Wilson, and Lillard. He called Dano “the weakest f**** actor in SAG,” said he “can’t stand” Wilson, and stated he doesn’t care for Lillard.

Clooney also recalled past comments from Tarantino, who in 2024 questioned his status as a movie star despite their shared role in From Dusk Till Dawn. Clooney told GQ, “Quentin said some shit about me recently, so I’m a little irritated by him. He did some interview where he was naming movie stars… then this guy goes, ‘Well, what about George?’ He goes, he’s not a movie star.”

During his speech, Clooney also reflected on his gratitude for his current work. He praised director Noah Baumbach, saying, “The script is beautiful. I couldn’t believe my luck that I got to play the part.” He added that he was thrilled to reunite with Laura Dern, who he had previously worked with on Grizzly II: Revenge. “It’s going to be a long, tough couple of years, but we’ll all get through it together,” he concluded.

Clooney’s award was presented by his former ER co-star Noah Wyle. In return, Clooney playfully supported Wyle when he won Best Actor for The Pitt, joking that AARP should do a “sexiest man still alive” issue and “I would nominate Noah Wyle as the first guy. When I grow up, I want to be Noah Wyle.”

The AARP Movies for Grownups Awards celebrate film and television that appeals to audiences over 50. This year’s ceremony will premiere on PBS’ Great Performances on February 22.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!