Billy Bob Thornton Calls Out Hollywood: “Stick to the Script!”

In an era when award shows often double as political stages, Billy Bob Thornton is pushing back — hard. The Oscar-winning actor, known for Sling Blade and A Simple Plan, is making headlines for his blunt take on celebrities turning acceptance speeches into political sermons.

“These shows are meant to honor the work,” Thornton said, “not to be hijacked for political statements.”

 The Message: Celebrate Art, Not Agendas

After another award season filled with politically charged speeches, Thornton voiced what many viewers have been feeling — that Hollywood award shows have drifted from their original purpose. He believes these events should focus on the craft, collaboration, and creativity that make filmmaking special, rather than becoming platforms for political activism.

“When I get up there to accept an award, I want to thank the people who helped me get there — not turn it into a lecture,” he explained.

Thornton clarified that he isn’t against activism itself — just its placement. “There’s a time and place for advocacy,” he said, “but award shows should be about unity, not division.”

 Hollywood’s Divide: Politics vs. Performance

From Meryl Streep’s speeches to Frances McDormand’s calls for inclusion, political commentary has become a fixture of modern award shows. While some hail this as progress, others — like Thornton — say it alienates audiences who tune in to celebrate art, not ideology.

His comments echo a growing frustration among both fans and industry veterans who feel that these nights, meant to inspire and unite, too often end in controversy and division.

 Thornton’s Call for Simplicity

Thornton’s philosophy is refreshingly simple: “Thank those who got you there.”

Award shows, he says, should honor the dedication of the artists, crews, and fans who make the dream possible. “When you’re given an award,” he said, “that’s not the time to make a political point. It’s the time to show gratitude.”

For Thornton, Hollywood has endless opportunities to spark change — through its movies, charitable work, and public influence — but the stage should remain a celebration of the art that brings people together.

 A Wake-Up Call for Award Season

Thornton’s words have reignited a debate across the entertainment world. Should award shows stay politically active, or return to celebrating film and creativity?

Regardless of where you stand, his message hits at the heart of a growing cultural divide in Hollywood — one that challenges the industry to remember why audiences fell in love with it in the first place.

“Let’s make award shows about the art again,” Thornton concluded. “Because that’s what we’re all here for.”