CULTURE

Morgan Freeman Shouted Out Lily Tomlin in His SAG Lifetime Achievement Acceptance Speech

In case you were wondering.


Who Was Morgan Freeman Calling Out During His SAG Life Achievement Award Speech?
Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

The answer to this morning’s ferocious Google searches of “Who did Morgan Freeman call out during his 2018 SAG Awards speech” has officially been revealed, and as it turns out his “scolding” was not at all what it seemed like.

The Oscar–winning actor had just begun his acceptance speech for the SAG Lifetime Achievement Award when he stopped and addressed someone in the audience. “Hey…I’m talking to you. Yeah, hey,” he said to a then-unidentified person, who some have speculated was talking, texting, or not paying attention while he spoke. “Okay, well you just stand out to me, that’s all,” he continued, before getting back to his speech.

But apparently, he wasn’t throwing any shade, as many suspected. “Yeah. That was Lily Tomlin,” Freeman said, People reports. “She’s a wonder in herself and I’ve always loved her. I see her, I say hello.”

Coincidentally, the Grace and Frankie star was the recipient of the same award, which is traditionally given to an actor for career achievement and humanitarian accomplishment, last year. She also gave one hell of a speech.

“Morgan is more than just an actor, producer, humanitarian—this man is a national treasure,” said Freeman’s Electric Company costar, Rita Moreno, while she was introducing him for the award.

Tomlin wasn’t the only call-out the legendary actor made during his moving speech. “This is beyond an honor. This is a place in history,” he said, before adding, “Oh, and one more thing. I wasn’t going to do this. I’m going to tell you what’s wrong with this statue. It works from the back, [but] from the front, it’s gender specific. Maybe I started something.”

Related: Jane Fonda, Dolly Parton, and Lily Tomlin Had a 9 to 5 Reunion at the 2017 Emmy Awards

The 37 Best SAG Awards Dresses of All Time

At the second ever SAG Awards, Jodie Foster kept it casual in a white short-sleeved t-shirt and matching trousers.

SGranitz

A young Kirsten Dunst attended the 2000 ceremony in an olive green column gown with lace embroidery down the sides.

Sam Levi

Lucy Liu went for a shocking turquoise hue in 2000.

Sam Levi

Nominated for her role in Friends, Jennifer Aniston arrived at the 2003 awards in a black gown with a daring double cutout.

Jeff Kravitz

Sarah Jessica Parker channeled Carrie Bradshaw for her 2003 look, pinning an oversized flower pin to her black and white dress.

L. Cohen

In 2004, Catherine Zeta-Jones went for the gold in a sparkling Elie Saab look.

Jeffrey Mayer

Liv Tyler matched her bold red lips to a similarly-hued crimson sash in 2004.

Bill Davila

Renee Zellweger kept it simple in 2004, adding a single diamond necklace to her strapless black gown.

SGranitz

Eva Longoria looked to the past for her vintage-inspired lace ensemble at the 2006 awards.

Jon Kopaloff

America Ferrera made a case for grey on the red carpet, wearing Monique Lhuillier in 2008.

Jeff Kravitz

More is more was the mandate for Debra Messing’s 2008 look, a golden Oscar de la Renta column gown.

Patrick McMullan

Kate Winslet won big in 2009, wearing a cobalt blue Narciso Rodriguez dress.

Dan MacMedan

Emily Blunt made a statement in 2009 wearing silver sequins.

Michael Buckner

Evan Rachel Wood enhanced her Monique Lhuiller gown with contrasting violet accessories.

Jeff Kravitz

Diane Kruger stunned in a mustard gown by Jason Wu in 2010.

Gregg DeGuire

Kate Hudson went backless in Pucci at the 2010 ceremony.

Steve Granitz

Newcomer Hailee Steinfeld made a bold entrance at the 2011 awards in striped Prada.

Dan MacMedan

Mila Kunis pulled of print with aplomb, wearing Alexander McQueen in 2011.

Steve Granitz

Michelle Williams went tea-length in a lace Valentino dress at the 2012 awards.

Gregg DeGuire

In 2012, Tilda Swinton chose a goddess-esque custom Lanvin dress.

Gregg DeGuire

Zoe Saldana arrived to the 2012 red carpet wearing an intricate Givenchy design.

Jon Kopaloff

Naomi Watts kept it simple in 2013, wearing a strapless Marchesa gown.

Steve Granitz

Amanda Seyfried amped up her Zac Posen dress with stunning Lorraine Schwartz pendant necklace in 2013.

Gregg DeGuire

Kerry Washington turned to Rodarte for her lace-covered look in 2013.

Gregg DeGuire

Julia Roberts made a major statement at the 2014 awards in a hot pink jumpsuit by Valentino.

Theo Wargo

Never one to shy away from a bright hue, Lupito Nyong’o stunned at the 2004 awards in a turquoise Gucci gown.

Ethan Miller

Jennifer Lawrence wore a rainbow of Dior sequins to the 2014 ceremony.

Lester Cohen

Cate Blanchett showed why she is queen of the red carpet in 2014 wearing a pale pink Givenchy dress.

Ethan Miller

Amy Adams contrasted her famous red hair with a royal blue Antonio Berardi gown at the 2014 awards.

Ethan Miller

Julianne Moore took home the Best Actress statuette in 2015 wearing an emerald green Givenchy creation.

Amy Graves
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