Golden Globes 2017: Tom Hiddleston's South Sudan Speech Faces Backlash
Actor Tom Hiddleston meant well, and many fans understood and appreciated his intentions. But his speech at the 2017 Golden Globe Awards -- called "self-righteous," "self-indulgent" and just a straight-on "humble brag" -- made a lot of viewers cringe. Some of those viewers may have been right there in the audience. (Lookin' at you, Christian Slater.)
Hiddleston was one of many winners for AMC's "The Night Manager," taking home Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Series, Limited Series, or Motion Picture Made for TV. He was honored over Courtney B. Vance in "The People v. O.J.: American Crime Story," John Turturro in "The Night Of," Riz Ahmed in "The Night Of," and Bryan Cranston for All the Way."
It's possible surprise and disappointment at Hiddleston's win over other nominees colored the reaction shots the camera got during his speech. Either way, Hiddleston's fellow celebs did not seem enthralled at his speech about visiting South Sudan and meeting people who enjoyed "The Night Manager," even during turmoil.
Hiddleston mentioned working with the United Nations Children's Fund in South Sudan, when he was approached by a group from Doctors Without Borders who told him they binge-watched "The Night Manager" during the previous month's shelling. The actor said he was moved by the idea "that we could provide some relief and entertainment for people ... who are fixing the world in the places where it is broken." He dedicated his award "to those out there who are doing their best."
Noble intentions, but many on Twitter were not impressed:
Christian Slater's face listening to Tom Hiddleston's "people in South Sudan love me" speech should be on US currency. pic.twitter.com/8HbZScXbH2
— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) January 9, 2017
The lack of interest in Tom Hiddleston's story about his show is my everything https://t.co/vsTHCK0WQK
— Dave Lozo (@davelozo) January 9, 2017
Hiddleston should take notes from Davis and Streep re: how to give graceful acceptance speeches that touch on important issues #GoldenGlobes
— Liz Dawson (@LizAnnDawson) January 9, 2017
just tuned in to watch a bit of Golden Globes. What a load of "humble" self indulgent wankery from Tom Hiddleston.
— Susan Metcalfe (@susanamet) January 9, 2017
Thank you to Tom Hiddleston and all actors who dare to perform in projects that are shown in some of the most dangerous parts of he world.
— (((Joshua Malina))) (@JoshMalina) January 9, 2017
So #TomHiddleston had the most self-righteous speech I've ever seen. #douche#GoldenGlobes
— Rœb (@Bob_Wilson2) January 9, 2017
@Bob_Wilson2 I'm embarrassed for him. That was cringeworthy self indulgence
— Lara Brecher (@LaraBrecher) January 9, 2017
The perfect facial summation of what Tom Hiddleston just did. #GoldenGlobespic.twitter.com/JZcfIthpN8
— Travon Free (@Travon) January 9, 2017
That was a long story Tom Hiddleston told to pay himself a compliment. #GoldenGlobes
— Gary Janetti (@GaryJanetti) January 9, 2017
Hiddleston's loyal fans defended him in replies, understanding his intentions and calling attention to his consistent advocacy for UNICEF and South Sudan. (You can see his activism in his own Twitter feed.) Maybe his speech didn't quite connect, but he is certainly out there trying to help people, unlike many of the critics. He just went about it the wrong way this time. Not even Loki is perfect!
[via: Entertainment Weekly]
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