Richard Gere used his recent acceptance speech at the Goya Awards to deliver sharp criticisms of United States President Donald Trump, calling him a "bully and thug" during the ceremony held at the Palacio de Congresos de Granada, Spain. The American actor was presented with the International Goya Award on Saturday evening by fellow actor Antonio Banderas, who expressed his emotional pride at honoring his friend.
While accepting the award, Gere took the opportunity to voice his concerns about the current political climate not just in the U.S., but globally. He lamented the rise of what he termed "foolish tribalism" and expressed disappointment over elected officials failing to inspire the public. "We are in a very dark place in America where we have a bully and a thug who is the president of the United States," Gere declared, prompting loud applause from the audience. This moment reflects how deeply political sentiments resonate even at prestigious cultural events.
His comments did not stop at just Trump. During the ceremony, Gere also warned against rising authoritarianism worldwide, referencing the disturbing influence of wealthy individuals on political power. “The millionaire clowns surrounding Trump are immature and narcissistic, a deadly mix,” he noted, encapsulating his critique of those who enable such leadership.
Before the main awards ceremony, Gere participated in a press conference where he urged citizens to remain vigilant about the current socio-political climate. He stated, "America is experiencing a dark time, and the time has come for people to stand up. We must be vigilant against this dark marriage of money and power. It is irresponsible and corrosive to have millionaires in charge of America, and it poses a danger to the whole planet." His words echo the sentiments of many who feel uneasy about the intersection of wealth and governance.
Gere, who recently relocated to Spain with his Galician wife, Alejandra Silva, spoke also of the importance of compassion and collective efforts to create positive change. He emphasized the necessity of kindness, love, and the embrace of one another, stating, "We have to be vigilant, we have to stand up and rebel. There is room for kindness, love, and the embrace of one another." He praised organizations like Open Arms for their humanitarian work, affirming the necessity of aiding those seeking refuge amid political turmoil.
The Goya Awards are Spain's most notable film honors, and Gere's heartfelt acceptance speech drew attention not just for its political content but also for its emotional resonance. Throughout his time on stage, he expressed deep gratitude for being recognized, stating, “This is a wonderful encouragement. These lifetime achievement awards are always, I think, a little premature.” By the speech's conclusion, he signified his willingness to remain active within the industry, noting, "I have a lot more I expect to do."
This blend of artistic acknowledgment and political commentary positions Gere as both a celebrated actor and as someone deeply engaged with current global issues. His presence at the Goya Awards was marked not only by accolades but by thoughtful reflections on the state of world affairs. The reception of his comments aligns with broader anxieties felt by many about current leadership and societal direction.
Overall, Richard Gere’s remarks have sparked extensive discussions internationally about the responsibilities of celebrities and public figures to engage with socio-political issues. Observers noted how such unprecedented criticisms during awards ceremonies reflect not only personal sentiment but also pervasive public frustrations with prevailing leadership practices.