George Clooney Says He’d Be ‘Honored’ to Work With Paul Dano, Owen Wilson and Matthew Lillard After Quentin Tarantino Insults: ‘We Are Living in a Time of Cruelty’

Tue Jan 13 12:20:00 UTC 2026: # Clooney Rebukes Tarantino’s Cruelty, Praises Targeted Actors

The Story:
George Clooney has publicly defended actors Paul Dano, Owen Wilson, and Matthew Lillard after Quentin Tarantino made disparaging remarks about them in December 2025. Clooney, while accepting his best actor award at the AARP Movies for Grownups Awards on Saturday, stated he would be “honored” to work with the actors. He also criticized Tarantino’s behavior, stating that “we are living in a time of cruelty,” and “we don’t need to be adding to it.” This comes after Tarantino’s previous jab at Clooney in 2024, questioning his status as a movie star.

Key Points:

• George Clooney defended Paul Dano, Owen Wilson, and Matthew Lillard from Quentin Tarantino’s criticisms.
• Tarantino called Dano “the weakest fucking actor in SAG,” stated he “can’t stand” Wilson, and that he doesn’t care for Lillard.
• Clooney accepted the best actor award for “Jay Kelly” at the AARP Movies for Grownups Awards.
• Clooney previously addressed Tarantino’s remark from 2024 where Tarantino questioned Clooney’s “movie star” status.
• Clooney expressed gratitude for working with director Noah Baumbach and reuniting with Laura Dern.

Critical Analysis:
The historical context reveals a clear timeline of escalating tensions between Clooney and Tarantino. Tarantino’s initial dismissal of Clooney as a “movie star” in 2024 seems to have laid the groundwork for a more direct confrontation following Tarantino’s comments about Dano, Wilson, and Lillard in December 2025. Clooney’s deliberate and public response at the AARP Awards indicates a desire to publicly challenge Tarantino’s behavior and defend actors he felt were unfairly targeted. Clooney also mentions the global socio-political situation, showing his comment is of more importance than a petty arguement.

Key Takeaways:

• Public feuds between prominent figures in Hollywood continue to capture public attention.
• Clooney positions himself as an advocate for actors and against perceived “cruelty.”
• Tarantino’s outspoken nature continues to generate controversy.
• Awards ceremonies can serve as platforms for addressing broader industry issues and personal grievances.
• Past remarks can fuel future conflict, highlighting the importance of professional decorum.

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