Billy Bob Thornton isn’t here for celebrity virtue signaling at awards shows. In a candid conversation on The Joe Rogan Experience, the 70-year-old actor made it clear he has no patience for political grandstanding during Hollywood’s biggest nights.
“It’s like Ricky Gervais said… come up here, accept your little award, and f*** off,” Thornton bluntly stated, referencing the British comedian’s iconic takedown of self-important celebrities at the 2020 Golden Globes.
Thornton, who describes himself as a “radical moderate,” questioned why anyone would take political cues from entertainers. “Unless you have really studied stuff and know about a subject fully, who the hell would want to listen to an actor or musician talk about politics?” he asked. “If we are, what if they lead you down the wrong road?”
The Landman star took aim at both major political parties, calling for a “common sense party” instead of the current polarized landscape. But his real disdain came out when discussing the performative activism often seen at Hollywood events.
“I couldn’t care less about awards,” he said. “I donate to a lot of charities, mainly children’s stuff, but nobody knows it. I don’t go to the awards show and talk about it when I’m getting my award.”
He also mocked celebrities who hijack their acceptance speeches to push personal causes. “Don’t go up there and talk about saving the badgers in Wisconsin,” he joked. “If you have a billion dollars, and you want to save the badgers, f***ing save them.”
Thornton’s message was clear: Hollywood needs less preaching and more humility.
