Adam Sandler jokes about Oscar 'snub' during expletive-laden Spirit Awards speech
Adam Sandler's critically acclaimed lead role as a frenetic, scheming jeweler in "Uncut Gems" may not have earned him an Oscar nomination, but it did win him a Film Independent Spirit Award. And the actor was happy to accept the latter, while jokingly acknowledging the former and letting the expletives fly.
"Thank you," the "Sandman" said goofily at the start of his best actor acceptance speech. "I stand before you trembling with glee as I receive your so-called best actor trophy, independently speaking, of course."
After tweeting a month ago about getting "no love" from Oscar voters, he was prepared for this. He read from a prewritten speech.
"You know, a few weeks back when I was quote, unquote, 'snubbed' by the Academy, it reminded me of when I attended high school and was overlooked for the coveted yearbook superlative category 'best looking.' "
Sandler explained that, instead, he was voted the class' "best personality," and "a feather-haired" jerk (though he used harsher words) was named the best-looking.
"Tonight, as I look around this room, I realize the Independent Spirit Awards are the 'best personality' awards of Hollywood. Let all those feather-haired (jerks) get their Oscars tomorrow. Their handsome, good looks will fade in time," he proclaimed. "Our independent personalities will shine on forever!"
Sandler continued, joking about how his comedies have, actually, been about selling "my truths with a truly independent spirit ... and cashing disturbingly large paychecks."
"Billy Madison"? That's a first look at the problems with our education system. "Waterboy"? That's a "searing exploration" of American football and the manipulation of socially-challenged athletes.
Sandler went on to thank his wife, his directors, the Safdie brothers (whom he compared to homeless rabbis) and his kids for encouraging him to take the "Uncut Gems" role. The movie also won for best editing and best directing at the Spirit Awards.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Spirit Awards: Adam Sandler wins, uses speech to make fun of Oscars
