Samuel L. Jackson's Unimpressed Reaction at the Tonys Goes Viral
Samuel L. Jackson celebrated his first Tony Award nomination last night for his role as Doaker Charles in the play The Piano Lesson by August Wilson.
While many people were simply excited to honor the actor's amazing performance by watching the award show, many more enjoyed seeing Jackson's unique reaction to losing the award, which quickly went viral on social media.
When the award for Actor in a Featured Role in a Play was announced, every other nominee except for Jackson and the winner, Brandon Uranowitz, quickly started clapping and cheering.
Jackson could be seen leaning back in his seat while the winner was read and looked quite unimpressed with the whole ordeal. He paused for a second before joining in with the clapping.
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
One viewer commented on the moment: "Samuel L. Jackson’s face took me all the way out. He looks like he knew he wasn’t getting the Tony."
They added, "Based on the shout out during the winner’s acceptance speech, it sounds like Jordan E. Cooper maybe should have won it for 'Ain’t No Mo.’"
Samuel L. Jackson’s face took me all the way out ??????
He looks like he knew he wasn’t getting the Tony.
Based on the shout out during the winner’s acceptance speech, it sounds like Jordan E. Cooper maybe should have won it for Ain’t No Mo’ https://t.co/CzjzO2NCxm— Tammi “Did you wash your hands?” Sparks ???????? (@tammirsparks) June 12, 2023
Another person wrote, "Samuel L Jackson should've won that Tony Award."
Samuel L Jackson should've won that Tony Award.
— Void Sage (@WeiShiLindon) June 12, 2023
Someone else thought that Jackson didn't particularly want to be at the award show in the first place, writing, "wow samuel l. jackson DOES NOT want to be at the tony’s."
One viewer really appreciated Jackson's earnest reaction, commenting on the moment, "Sam Jackson never bothers with the fake 'I'm so happy for them' face and honestly, I appreciate it."
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 looked like Nick Fury after realizing he didn't win his category. #TonyAwards," read a different comment, referencing Jackson's character.
In the Broadway play, Jackson plays Charles and John David Washington plays Boy Willie. The two will reprise their roles for a screen version through Netflix.