George Clooney Claps Back at Quentin Tarantino, Defends Paul Dano and Other Insulted Actors

A month after Quentin Tarantino criticized actors Paul Dano, Owen Wilson, and Matthew Lillard, George Clooney is speaking out in support of his peers.

While accepting the best actor award for his role in “Jay Kelly” at the AARP Movies for Grownups Awards, Clooney made his position clear. “By the way, Paul Dano and Owen Wilson and Matthew Lillard, I would be honored to work with those actors. Honored,” he said. He described the film as “made by people who love actors — that’s an important part. 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 also reflected on the broader culture of criticism in Hollywood, noting, “We are living in a time of cruelty. We don’t need to be adding to it.”

The comments come after Tarantino made headlines in December 2025 for his harsh words about Dano, Wilson, and Lillard. The “Pulp Fiction” director called Dano “the weakest f**** actor in SAG,” admitted he “can’t stand” Wilson, and said he didn’t care for Lillard. Tarantino had also previously criticized Clooney in 2024, claiming the Oscar-winning actor wasn’t a true movie star. The two co-starred in the 1996 film “From Dusk Till Dawn.”

Clooney addressed the earlier remarks in an interview with GQ, saying, “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, and he was talking about [Brad], and somebody else, and then this guy goes, ‘Well, what about George?’ He goes, he’s not a movie star.”

At the awards ceremony, Clooney also shared his gratitude for working with director Noah Baumbach on “Jay Kelly.” “The script is beautiful. I couldn’t believe my luck that I got to play the part,” he said. He added that reuniting with Laura Derns, his co-star from his first movie “Grizzly II: Revenge,” was another highlight. “It’s going to be a long, tough couple of years, but we’ll all get through it together,” Clooney concluded.

Clooney’s former “ER” co-star Noah Wyle presented him with the award, and the gesture was returned when Wyle won best actor for his role in “The Pitt.” Clooney even joked about nominating Wyle for a “sexiest man still alive” award, saying, “When I grow up, I want to be Noah Wyle.”

The AARP Movies for Grownups Awards celebrate films made for audiences 50 and older. This year’s ceremony will air on PBS as part of “Great Performances” on February 22.

Clooney’s defense of Dano, Wilson, and Lillard is a reminder that even Hollywood veterans stand against unnecessary cruelty in the industry. It’s refreshing to see such a respected actor openly support his peers.

What do you think about Clooney calling out Tarantino’s insults? Share your thoughts in the comments.