km. STICK TO THE SCRIPT: Oscar winner Billy Bob Thornton called out celebrities who turn award shows into political soapboxes, urging stars to “stick to what it is” and thank those who gave them the honor instead of making cause-driven speeches.
Billy Bob Thornton Calls Out Hollywood’s Politicized Award Shows — Urges Stars to Focus on Gratitude, Not Grandstanding 🏆
Los Angeles, CA — Academy Award winner Billy Bob Thornton has sparked a heated conversation in Hollywood after criticizing celebrities who turn award shows into political soapboxes.
Speaking candidly during a recent interview, the Sling Blade star said he believes the industry has drifted away from what those nights were meant to celebrate.
“These shows used to be about honoring great work,” Thornton said. “Now, too often, it’s about who can make the biggest political statement. My advice? Stick to the script. Thank the people who got you there — and leave it at that.”
His comments come at a time when award ceremonies have increasingly become arenas for activism, with stars using acceptance speeches to promote social, political, or environmental causes. While some hail those moments as powerful acts of influence, others — like Thornton — argue they distract from the artistry itself.
“There’s a time and place for everything,” he continued. “But when someone’s giving you an award for your craft, that’s the moment to show humility, not politics.”
Reactions online have been swift and divided. Supporters praised Thornton for “saying what many in the industry are afraid to say,” while critics accused him of discouraging artists from speaking their minds.
Regardless of which side one takes, few can deny that his words struck a nerve — reminding Hollywood of a simpler time when award nights were about storytelling, not slogans.
And as the next red-carpet season approaches, one question lingers in the air: Will Hollywood take Billy Bob’s advice — or keep rewriting the script? 🎭✨
