Samuel L. Jackson goes viral for reaction to Tony Awards loss
Samuel L. Jackson is not sweating his Tony Awards loss.
The actor went viral for barely reacting to Brandon Uranowitz beating him Sunday night for the Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play.
When the winner was announced, the 74-year-old’s facial expression did not change as he looked less than impressed in his seat.
The “August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson” star paused before clapping along with his fellow nominees.
Uranowitz, 37, was nominated for “Leopoldstadt.” Charles Sykes/Invision/AP
As Jackson’s nonplussed facial expression went viral on social media, Twitter users poked fun at the moment.
Brandon Uranowitz takes home Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play for his role in @Leopoldstadtbwy! #TonyAwards pic.twitter.com/UahqY67SUU
— BroadwayWorld (@BroadwayWorld) June 12, 2023
“Samuel L. Jackson’s face took me all the way out,” one wrote. “He looks like he knew he wasn’t getting that Tony.”
Another speculated, “wow samuel l. jackson DOES NOT want to be at the Tonys.”
Many fans tweeted that the “Snakes on a Plane” star “should’ve won that Tony Award,” with one noting, “Imagine pretending to think that Brandon Uranowitz did a better job at acting in ANY role than Samuel L.Jackson playing in an August DAMN Wilson play! Well, the Tony Awards did just that.”
Others simply found humour in his unimpressed look, joking, “oh my god Samuel L Jackson’s face.”
The nomination marked Jackson’s first. The “Pulp Fiction” star celebrated the career milestone by walking the red carpet with wife LaTanya Richardson, who directed him in the play.
The couple presented the award for Best Play later in the show, with Jackson jokingly referring to himself as “Samuel L. ‘it’s an honour to be nominated’ Jackson.’”
As for Uranowitz, the 36-year-old was nominated for three Tonys prior to taking home the trophy for “Leopoldstadt” this year.
Other nominees in his and Jackson’s category included Arian Moayed for “A Doll’s House,” Jordan Cooper for “Ain’t No Mo’” and David Zayas for “Cost of Living.”