Samuel L. Jackson’s less-than-impressed reaction to losing at the 76th Annual Tony Awards has gone viral.
The 74-year-old actor was nominated for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play for his role in The Piano Lesson, which was his wife LaTanya Richardson’s Broadway directorial debut, at the event.
After Brandon Uranowitz’s name was announced for his turn in Leopoldstadt, viewers quickly noted the apparent disappointment in Jackson’s face, along with what appeared to be a slight eye-roll.
One fan commented on Twitter: “Samuel L. Jackson does not have a good non-winner face. I’m sure his eye roll will be a meme.”
“Samuel L. Jackson didn’t look happy,” another shared alongside a laughing emoji. “Awww Samuel L. Jackson”.
A fourth added: “Samuel L. Jackson’s face is taking me out for some reason!”
Despite fans initially making fun of the Unbreakable star’s disappointment, others came to his defence and claimed that he was “robbed” of a win for his portrayal in the Broadway play.
One tweeted: “Samuel L. Jackson was robbed. But of course let’s give it to... never mind.”
“I thought Samuel L. Jackson was gone win that...” another wrote while a third shared: “Samuel L. Jackson lost, I hate it here actually.”
Uranowitz was among the first big winners of the night as the Broadway world gathered at the United Palace Theater in New York City on Sunday.
The 36-year-old joked that his “imposter syndrome is on fire” as he accepted the Tony Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Play.
Samuel L. Jackson does not have good non-winner face. I’m sure his eye roll will be a meme. #TonyAwards
— Mindy Benson (@MindyBe) June 12, 2023
Samuel L. Jackson’s face is taking me out for some reason! 😂 #TonyAwards pic.twitter.com/96QBVnJDKY
— charlie wilson fan club president. (@travisfromdabk_) June 12, 2023
In his speech, Uranowitz spoke out about anti-Semitism and the “false promise of assimilation,” both of which are explored in his play Leopoldstadt before thanking his parents in an emotional moment.
Earlier in the evening, Jackson posed for photos alongside his wife LaTanya Richardson as they walked the red carpet together.
Although The Piano Lesson didn’t nab a Tony on the night, the Hollywood icon previously said what an honour it was to be recognised at the event.
He shared in a statement: “It’s a thrill to be nominated – this honour is particularly special having been under the direction of LaTanya and getting to continue August Wilson’s legacy on Broadway after first performing The Piano Lesson on stage at the Yale Repertory Theater 35 years ago.
