-Next on "Great Performances," join us for the annual Movies for Grownups Awards... -Tonight is all about celebrating the movies and TV shows.

-...that speak to the 50-plus audience about family, love, assorted life issues, and more.

-So, it's a coin toss?

That's what $50 billion buys us?!

-Join this year's Career Achievement Winner Adam Sandler... "Whoa, I know what that guy was feeling when he wrote that."

-...and your host Alan Cumming.

-I know it's hard to believe, but I think some of you are about my age.

[ Laughter, applause ] -Join us for this year's star-studded Movies for Grownups Awards with AARP.

-I love you.

What a nice night.

[ Cheers and applause ] -I feel like a crazed fan.

-Thank you all.

Love you guys.

-We want everything.

-Thank you for everything you did here today.

-I'd like another one.

[ Cheers and applause ] ♪ Major funding for "Great Performances" is provided by... ...and by contributions to your PBS station from viewers like you.

Thank you.

[ Alison Goldfrapp's "NeverStop" plays ] -♪ How do you see yourself?

♪ How do you imagine the world around you?

♪ ♪ Tell me -What story would you like?

-Tell me about your mother.

-I'll probably cry if I do.

-So cry.

What's the big deal?

-♪ It's a wonder -We should always live like this.

-♪ What we are -I'm so happy.

All my babies, all together.

-♪ We all connect -You twins?

-Nah, we cousins.

-♪ We are connected -Well, aren't you a big, brave girl?

-I guess I am.

-We're talking about 17 kids and one classroom.

-I will show you a magic trick.

-And what's that?

-I'll tell you mine.

-They see how prepared we are, no one starts a nuclear war.

-I'm not taking a knife to a gunfight.

Or a prayer.

-♪ Never stop loving ♪ Never stop, never stop -Misconstruing my need for privacy as having something to hide would be a mistake.

♪ Never stop -Well, then I just couldn't stop walking till I got here.

-Allez!

-Prestige films and box office hits -- those are not mutually exclusive.

We can do both, and we will do both.

Put that on the marquee.

-♪ Never stop it [ Applause ] [ Rupert and Holmes' "Everything" plays ] ♪ -♪ I want to learn what life is for ♪ ♪ I don't want much ♪ I just want more ♪ Ask what I want, and I will sing ♪ ♪ I want everything ♪ I'd cure the cold and the traffic jam ♪ ♪ If there were floods, I'd give a dam ♪ See what I did there, Noah?

♪ I'd never sleep ♪ I'd only sing ♪ Then I'll have everything ♪ I'd like to plan a city ♪ Play the cello ♪ Play at Monte Carlo ♪ Play Othello ♪ Move into the White House ♪ Paint it yellow ♪ Speak Portuguese and Dutch ♪ And if it's not too much ♪ I'd like to have the perfect twin ♪ You and me, Paul.

♪ One who'd go out as I came in ♪ ♪ I've got to grab the big brass ring ♪ ♪ You know what I'm talkin' about ♪ Then I'll have everything.

♪ I'm like a child who's set free ♪ ♪ At the fun fair ♪ Every ride invites me ♪ And it's unfair saying that I only ♪ ♪ Have my one share ♪ Doesn't seem just ♪ I could live as I must ♪ If they would give me the time ♪ ♪ To turn the tide ♪ Give me the truth if once I've lied ♪ ♪ Give me the man ♪ Who's gonna bring ♪ More of everything ♪ Then I'll have everything ♪ Everythi-i-i-i-ing ♪ Everythi-i-i-i-ing [ Cheers and applause ] Welcome to Movies for Grownups!

[ Cheers and applause ] -Yes, yes.

I want everything.

And at this age, I have come to realize that I can have everything, even if it's bad for me and I regret it in the morning.

Apparently, I can even have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

[ Cheers and applause ] Oh, I -- I wasn't fishing.

I wasn't fishing, but I totally was.

I was actually expecting sincere applause, but it's early.

I'll take what I can get.

Now, as far as entertainment goes, I can have absolutely everything, whether it's in my local theater, where I can eat obscene amounts of popcorn, or streaming at home, where I can eat obscene amounts of popcorn, just without being judged.

I can see stories that get to the heart of what's important to my soul at this moment in my life -- and in your lives, too, because -- [ Chuckles ] I know it's hard to believe, but I think some of you are about my age.

[ Laughter ] We can view the experiences of our contemporaries as they cope with issues like aging, broken relationships, family crises, and careers that sometimes keep us away from those we love.

This year's nominees depict those issues and more with grace, embracing the importance of life experience and how it shapes the way we choose to go forward in, frankly, difficult times, in a difficult world.

We're immensely proud of the fact that, since these awards first began over 20 years ago, we've seen the adult audience expanding in both numbers and power.

In fact, 8 out of 10 Americans think that what they see on screen influences how society views aging.

And as we grow and age, so does our need for grown-up storytelling.

And we are being heard.

The people in this room and their work are proof of that.

But we can only continue to be heard if we support the shows and movies that are being made for us.

So, support your local movie theaters.

Get that obscene amount of popcorn.

[ Applause ] Also very important -- watch broadcast tv.

I know.

Remember that?

It still exists.

[ Applause ] Stream your favorite shows.

Use the power of your voices to say, "We want everything."

So, let's start by giving you a little taste of everything that's nominated tonight.

Throughout the show, we'll be presenting some great moments from the movies that spoke to us as grownups.

The first best movie nominee is "Hamnet," the intimate, fictionalized story of William Shakespeare's family, focusing on his wife, their twins, and the plague.

It's a musical.

[ Laughter ] Not really.

The plot explores the profound grief that drives the parents apart and inspires Shakespeare to channel his pain into art and write his famous tragedy, "Hamlet."

[ Up-tempo music plays ] ♪ God, I cried at "Hamnet" ♪ I cried at "Hamnet" ♪ Those sickly children made me weep ♪ ♪ And, Jessie Buckley, you broke me ♪ ♪ I really loved that hawk ♪ Oh, God, I miss that hawk ♪ Give all the awards ♪ To the ha-a-a-wk [ Cheers and applause ] This is "Hamnet."

-When you touched me there, what did you see?

-I saw a landscape.

-You saw a landscape?

-Mm-hmm.

Spaces.

Caves.

Tunnels and oceans.

Undiscovered countries.

-Will you be brave?

-Yes.

-Will you be brave?

[ Cheers and applause ] -Deep, dark black void.

-[ Inhales sharply ] Help me breathe.

♪ [ All exclaiming ] ♪ ♪ -What do you see?

[ Hawk cries ] -What do you see?

-He will live.

[ Applause ] -Here now are the nominees for Best Actress.

♪ -Here's what you're gonna do.

You're gonna go to the back.

Bessie, point to the back so Charlie doesn't get lost.

You're gonna turn left at the shampoo, go all the way down the aisle.

Now, I know it's complicated, Charlie, but stay with me, and you'll find the pickles that my friend needs, okay?

You've constructed a life that hides your accidental privilege.

Neediness, desperate desire to impress.

At least I have the self-respect to be obvious about what it is that I want.

But you -- it's all lies.

-[ Speaking French ] -[ Speaking French ] -You can upset me, and I can upset you.

Right?

It's what happens in a relationship?

-I never said that we couldn't get upset.

I-I... -I know you were trying to do a nice thing.

-[ Speaking Mandarin ] -You're too nosy.

She invited me to go, but other people are gonna be there.

-Pretend to make excuse.

-She wasn't asking me out.

-Ay, who can even resisting this face?

[ Cheers and applause ] This year's winner for Best Actress is... Laura Dern.

[ Cheers and applause ] To present the award, please welcome her co-star in "Is This Thing On?"

seven-time Emmy nominee Will Arnett.

[ Cheers and applause ] ♪ [ Laughing ] Oh!

It's good to see somebody that I beat at Wordle today.

[ Laughter ] George.

Uh, okay... [ Laughter ] "Is This Thing On?"

tells a story of Alex and Tess, who, after 20 years together, have reached an amicable end to their marriage.

They're at the point of figuring out how to live separately, how to raise their two boys when Alex seeks a new purpose in standup comedy, and Tess examines the sacrifices she made for their family.

So, when Mark Chappell, Bradley Cooper, and I were in the rewriting process, we started talking about casting and who would play Tess, the former Olympic volleyball player.

Bradley mentioned Laura Dern.

I immediately thought, "That's a great wishlist, but who can we actually get?"

[ Laughter ] Luckily for us, we got Laura.

In addition to her infinite talent in front of the camera, we also got her endless supply of ideas.

Her input in shaping the character was immeasurable.

And then while shooting, of course, she brought even more depth through surprising subtleties in the character's behavior.

Here are a few moments of the strength and sensitivity that Laura brings to "Is This Thing On?"

-Two boys, right?

-Two boys.

-How are they?

-They're great.

Well, adjusting, 'cause, uh, Alex and I decided to take a little break.

-Oh, no.

I'm sorry.

I hadn't heard that.

-Yeah, well, it's... Wait.

It's not a break.

We split.

He moved out.

-Mm.

-Uh, it's over.

-Wow.

-Yeah.

-Wow, okay.

-Hmm.

-Yeah, it's actually good.

-Gotta admit, I'm shocked.

You two just seemed like a perfect fit to me.

-Yeah, me too, but, um... ♪ I'm concealing, I don't know why ♪ -I guess we just... slowly grew away from each other, if that makes any sense.

-I get that.

Geez, Tess, I'm... I'm glad I reached out.

[ Applause ] ♪ -It is my pleasure to present the Movies for Grownups Best Actress Award to Laura Dern.

[ Cheers and applause ] ♪ -[ Whistles ] ♪ -[ Laughs ] Thank you.

They even give us the music from our movie.

Um, thank you all so much for including me in this incredible night in this, um, beautiful year of film.

My parents who brought me in -- literally into a movie set, I think at about two days old -- taught me that the reflection of the truth, if we are lucky and blessed enough to be part of this industry, is an extraordinary gift not to be wasted and that, within this gift of exploring story and revealing what the truth looks like -- so please, God, we don't forget it -- that we may, in fact, find our found family.

It was one of the great privileges of my life watching you and your extraordinary performance, Will, and your bravery, so thank you.

And thank you to our incredible teammates, Andra Day and Scotty and Sean and our boys.

We had an incredible team, Matthew Libatique, our cinematographer, and of course, uh, no pun intended, our maestro, Bradley Cooper.

And I wanna thank you AARP.

The last time I was here, you were honoring my mother.

And, um, she loved you all and cared so much about film.

And I was so privileged to be raised by people who care so deeply about film.

And thank you for honoring the people who've dedicated their lives to their craft in so many ways.

Thank you all.

Love you guys.

[ Applause ] ♪ -Here are the nominees for Best Director.

♪ -His blood is gonna be on your hands then.

How you want it?

-Nah, man.

Come on, now.

-This ain't no...negotiation.

-Hey -- -It's a damn reckoning.

You not God no more...I am.

-A'ight, listen, God gave you everything you want, right?

No, God gave you everything you need, so the question is, What do you need?

How can I help you?

Now, I ain't saying I'm God, but I could help.

-Thank you.

Hey, thank you, sensei.

Thank you, sensei!

Thank you!

Viva la revoluci!

-We've already lost one American city today.

How many more do you wanna risk?

-What kind of...question is that?

-This is insanity, okay?

-No, sir.

This is reality.

-Six minutes to impact.

-♪ Steel gates that completely surround it ♪ ♪ Mansion on the hill -[ Snarling ] [ Indistinct shouting ] Bring...him...to me!

[ Applause ] And the winner for Best Director is Guillermo del Toro for "Frankenstein."

[ Cheers and applause ] To present the award is the actor who endured 12 hours of makeup each day to play The Creature, which is nothing compared to how long it takes to make him look this cute.

Please welcome two-time Golden Globe nominee Jacob Elordi!

[ Applause ] ♪ -It's quite low.

[ Laughter ] [ Chuckles ] Good evening.

It's really special to be here tonight to present the AARP Award for Best Director to someone I have long admired, Guillermo del Toro.

Now, Guillermo is one of those rare filmmakers who creates extraordinary worlds, but never loses sight of the people inside them.

His sets are places where curiosity is encouraged, emotion is protected, and imagination is taken seriously.

Guillermo has always used genre as a way in, not a way out.

His films ask us to look closer at characters who are misunderstood, overlooked, or labeled as something other than human, and then recognize ourselves in them.

With "Frankenstein," Guillermo returns to a story he's carried with him for decades.

This version isn't about spectacle.

It's about responsibility, about what it means to create something and what happens when you don't take care of it.

It's patient, emotional, and deeply intentional.

Let's take a look.

[ Dramatic music playing ] -[ Grunting ] [ Steam hissing, electricity zapping ] [ Grunting ] [ Breathing heavily ] ♪ ♪ [ Thunder rumbling ] ♪ [ Thunder crashing ] [ Electricity crackling ] [ Grunting ] [ Power surging ] [ Applause ] ♪ Please join me in welcoming the recipient of the Movies for Grownups Best Director Award, Guillermo del Toro.

[ Cheers and applause ] ♪ Thank you.

Jacob and I are gonna star in a remake of "Twins" this year, very soon.

[ Laughter ] You know, what is directing?

That's very hard to explain or define for the layman or the professional.

When I was younger, my kids used to say, "Dad, your job is not hard at all.

You say 'action' and 'cut,' and everybody does everything else."

But, you know, I think that directing is a little bit like the force of gravity.

You don't have to explain it, you don't have to understand how it works, but everybody knows when it's there, and everybody knows when it's not because everybody and everything floats around, lost in ether.

The second duty of directing is to understand a simple truth.

We are all born with one song to sing.

That's it.

And we spend the rest of our lives, once we've found it, trying to sing it better and better every time.

For me, as a young man of 11 years, it became very clear that "Frankenstein" was that song for me.

And I pursued it since my Super 8 years up until now.

And I tried to give it my all.

I tried to give it the hurt and the beauty that it needed.

And I happen to believe that there are times and moments so terrible, so painful, so horrible, like the times we're living in, that the only way to address them is through the gospel of monsters.

Three of the movies that are in the conversation right now addressed it that way -- "Weapons," "Sinners," and "Frankenstein."

And the other thing movies coincided this year is to talk about one really rare form of grownup.

We try to talk about fathers.

So many of the movies this year talk about that because I believe that we are in a terrible moment where we sort of know where we came from, what we were.

We try to know who we are, but we need to be reminded of what we should be, what we should be.

And we long for that figure, whether it is the figure of Idris Elba as a president we would all vote for in a second or fathers that are distant, near, suffocating, any type of father that helps you find your identity through that.

Now, Movies for Grownups is addressing an audience that is very scarce in the social conversation right now.

I think it's the most urgent moment to talk about things that matter, things that we are willing to step forward and declare.

And as such, I think that this is a ballroom in which you know what I do.

I think I qualify.

I'm over 60.

I am a grownup 'cause I've been growing and growing and growing since I was in my teen years.

And I was growing this morning when I checked.

[ Laughter ] And I've been here before.

You know what I do.

I've been faithful to that.

And the times I've been here has been with my monsters and my faith and my love for cinema.

So, this makes this award all the more meaningful.

Thank you very much.

[ Applause ] ♪ -Best Intergenerational Movie recognizes films that feature an intergenerational cast.

This year's winner is "Sentimental Value."

To present the award is a woman who has worked with the star of "Sentimental Value" in both "Mamma Mia" and a little film that I was in, too, that nobody saw called "Boogie Woogie."

[ Laughter ] No, don't.

I don't want your pity.

[ Laughter ] Please welcome Academy Award nominee Amanda Seyfried.

[ Cheers and applause ] ♪ -You had to mention that?

You had to mention that?

We had fun, right?

-We had fun, yeah.

-You don't need to see it.

[ Laughter ] Norwegian director Joachim Trier's "Sentimental Value," co-written with his longtime collaborator Eskil Vogt, explores the consequences of a once-great filmmaker's attempt to recapture his former glory and reconnect with his family.

Perfectly pitched by Stellan Skarsgard, Gustav Borg has always prioritized his work over family.

He is estranged from his daughters -- Nora, a gifted stage actress, and Agnes, who now lives outside of the spotlight years after performing in one of her father's most celebrated films.

Nuanced and empathetic, the film examines generational trauma and the role of art as a recourse for honest expression.

Here are a few moments from "Sentimental Value."

♪ -[ Speaking Swedish ] -[ Speaking Norwegian ] -Mm.

[ Laughs ] -[ Speaking Norwegian ] Ja.

[ Applause ] -It is my pleasure to present the Movies for Grownups Award for Best Intergenerational Film to "Sentimental Value."

Accepting are Renate Reinsve, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Elle Fanning, and my very good friend Stellan Skarsgard.

[ Cheers and applause ] ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ -Well, if you want to know what intergenerational means, you can look at us here.

[ Laughter ] In "Sentimental Value," my character is a complicated man and artist.

The film shows us that art is a language that can bridge the generational gap.

The first scenes that I filmed were with Stellan, and we bonded immediately.

There is an innate tether between our characters.

They're artists who shared emotional experience despite their generational distance.

Wading as an observer through the complex familial issues weighs heavy on my character, made more challenging due to her immense respect for the filmmaker who has entrusted her with the role.

-To get to play this role and to have the privilege to explore these subtle details in relationships was possible because of the depth and warmth that Joachim and Eskil write and that Joachim has led us with, all his actors searching for nuances that never was forced, but coming from all of us finding it together.

-Thank you, Movies for Grownups and AARP, for this wonderful recognition for "Sentimental Value," a film that has been able to deeply resonate with audiences from all generations.

-Thank you.

-Thank you.

[ Applause ] ♪ -I'm so pleased to announce that "Sentimental Value" is also this year's winner for Best Foreign Language Film, and accepting are the director, Joachim Trier, and his co-writer, Eskil Vogt.

[ Cheers and applause ] ♪ ♪ -Thank you.

-Thank you so much.

Thanks to the AARP for this.

I have to start by saying that I share this with the wonderful cast you just saw.

I think they have created a functional family as actors within a story about a very dysfunctional family, and I'm very grateful for that.

I also want to thank Neon for bringing our film out here.

It means a lot.

I come from a family background where my grandfather, Erik Lochen, was a filmmaker.

He had been captured during the Second World War, where Norway was occupied by the Nazis, and he was in work camp.

And after the war, he made jazz music, I think in order to try to find a way back to life.

And he also made films.

And his first film, "The Hunt," went to Cannes, the main competition, in 1960.

He called it jazz film.

They called it New Wave.

So, match made in heaven.

But after that, there wasn't infrastructure for him to really make films, and he only made one more.

And I'm therefore not taking it lightly that I'm allowed to, together with my dear friend Eskil Vogt, write and direct my sixth film, and have it being shared with an international audience like this means a lot.

I believe that we can transcend our spoken languages with the language of cinema.

And this award goes straight to our heart because of that.

So, thank you so much.

[ Cheers and applause ] ♪ -Set against the sweeping vistas of the Pacific Northwest, the next nominee for Best Movie is a moving portrait of a logger and railroad worker.

Over the course of 80 years, he travels far and wide on the railroads, leading a life of quiet grace as he experiences love and loss during an era of monumental development in early 20th-century America.

[ Mid-tempo music plays ] -♪ I dreamed a dream of trains and logs ♪ ♪ A quiet man, a world that's changing ♪ ♪ I dreamed that branches would not fall ♪ ♪ And yet they did ♪ Poor William H. Macy This is "Train Dreams."

[ Applause ] ♪ -This is rough work, gentleman, not just on the body.

We just cut down trees that have been here for 500 years.

[ Train whistle blows ] Upsets a man's soul, whether they recognize it or not.

[ Birds chirping ] -In the forest, every least thing's important.

It's all threaded together.

So you can't tell where one thing ends and another begins.

-Do you think bad things that we do follow us through life?

-I don't know.

[ Gunshot ] I've seen bad men raised up and good men brought to their knees.

♪ ♪ -This is all going by so fast.

[ Train chugging ] ♪ [ Applause ] -And now here are the nominees for Best Supporting Actress.

♪ -Come on, baby.

Say it back to me.

Green Acres, Beverly Hillbillies, Hooterville Junction.

-Will no longer be so...relevant.

-And women will not care if Dick finally got down with Jane on "Search for Tomorrow."

-Because Black people will be in the streets.

-Looking for a brighter day.

-The revolution will not be televised.

-My Dad said, if anyone said that...to me, to trust them with my life.

-Alright, right now, you need to 'cause you're in trouble, Willa, alright?

Now, there's an SOS signal out.

I'm here to help.

But we have to leave here right away.

[ Dramatic music playing ] -They're starting to arrive for the calf communion.

Yearling calves and reef babies together.

Having the first bond with Eywa.

It'll be so beautiful.

[ Telephone rings ] -For God's Sake.

What is it?

-Don't hang up.

Don't hang up.

Just one question -- does your room face the street or the courtyard?

-I don't know.

-Just answer the question.

Is it facing the street or the courtyard?

-Uh, the courtyard.

-Okay.

I need you to go to the window.

-I -- -Look at -- What floor are you on?

-I'm on the third floor, I believe.

-Third floor.

Okay.

Perfect.

Look across the street.

You see the open window with a bowl of fruit on the table?

-My name is Gladys.

It's so nice to meet you.

-Hi.

-Oh!

I absolutely love this house.

Look, a giraffe and a green Chinese la-- That's original in there.

I bet it is.

-Have you got any mascara?

-Um, yeah, I think I -- I think I have got some.

-Well, come on then.

Make me look presentable.

I've never died before.

I want to look nice when it happens.

[ Applause ] ♪ And the winner for Best Supporting Actress is Regina Hall for "One Battle After Another."

[ Applause ] To present the award, please welcome one of her co-stars, Chase Infiniti.

[ Applause ] ♪ -Thank you, AARP.

It is my honor to be here tonight and to present the Movies for Grownups Award for Best Supporting Actress to the great Regina Hall.

I first got to know Regina during my six-month audition process for "One Battle After Another."

And I had never been through a process like that before, and I wasn't sure what to expect or, honestly, what to do.

From the moment I met Regina, before I got the part of Willa, she was gracious with her time and with her advice and with her talent.

Throughout her career, Regina has made audiences all over the world laugh with her work in such films as the "Scary Movie" franchise, "Girls Trip," and more.

But over the last several years, we've gotten to see her in more serious roles in "Support the Girls," "The Hate U Give," "Black Monday," and "Nine Perfect Strangers."

Every layer Regina reveals to us through her work surprises us, captivates us, and leaves us all wanting more.

And as a fan, I can't wait to experience all the incredible stories Regina still has to tell.

Let's see Regina's outstanding performance in "One Battle After Another."

♪ -You scared?

-No.

-No?

Well, you should be.

Dad ever mention Steve Lockjaw?

-Yeah.

-Yeah?

What'd he tell you?

-He's the one who killed my mom.

[ Applause ] -Regina Hall could not be with us tonight, okay?

So Regina had me read her speech for her.

Regina did not write this speech, but if she did write it, she would've been unforgettable just like her.

Wow, AARP really got it right with this win.

[ Laughter ] Never in history has any person been so deserving.

[ Laughter ] Regina is the most humble and self-aware person I know.

She is so worthy of this.

She also looks thinner and still so healthy.

[ Laughter ] I am certain that she would've looked stunningly gorgeous tonight.

I just wanna reiterate she did not write this speech.

[ Laughter ] If she had, she would want to thank AARP for this wonderful honor and also mention that they did not need to start sending her mail in her mid-40s.

[ Laughter ] She would also like to thank Paul Thomas Anderson, Warner Bros., and the cast and crew of "One Battle After Another."

Boy, did they get lucky when they got Regina.

I heard PTA cried when she said yes.

And thank you to Chase for accepting this award on Regina's behalf and reading these honest and true words that, of course, Regina did not write.

[ Laughter ] [ Cheers and applause ] ♪ -And now here are the nominees for Best Supporting Actor.

♪ [ Handcuffs click ] -Excuse me?

-What did you toss out of the vehicle back there?

-Trash.

-You sure about that?

-Yes, ma'am.

-You been drinking today?

-I've had a few.

-A few what?

-A few small beers.

-Do you think you're my daughter?

-Did you love her?

-Answer me.

Do you think you're my daughter?

-The wrongs which we seek to condemn and punish have been so calculated, so malignant, and so devastating that civilization cannot tolerate their being ignored because we cannot survive their being repeated.

-[ Speaking Swedish ] [ Grunting ] [ Groaning ] -Blues wasn't forced on us like that religion.

Nah, son, we brought this with us from home.

It's magic, what we do.

[ Cheers and applause ] This year's Best Supporting Actor Award goes to Delroy Lindo for his performance in "Sinners."

To present the award is his co-star in the film Wunmi Mosaku and the film's writer and director, Ryan Coogler.

[ Cheers and applause ] ♪ -One of the best decisions that I made when casting "Sinners" was to get my neighbor, Delroy Lindo, to play Delta Slim.

I had him in mind when I wrote the character, knowing that he would bring life to him as no one else could.

-From his first electric moments on screen, Delroy is a riveting presence in a film rich with symbolism and layered storytelling.

Amidst the allegories and spiritual mythology, Delroy is a grounding force.

-I relied on his understanding of Delta Slim, and together we built the character out from the page.

He channels the spirit of men who poured their pain into rhythm.

The blues were pouring in that pain.

And Delta feels it, and Delroy makes us feel it.

It is a sacred moment that reveals the soul of his character.

Delroy's performance in "Sinners" reminds us why we go to the movies.

-Let's take a look at his captivating work.

-I'll give you $20 to come play at our juke tonight.

-Yeah, I wish I could.

I'mma be at Messengers tonight, same as I am every Saturday night.

-They ain't payin' you $20 a night, I know that.

-You ain't payin' no $20 a night.

You payin' $20, maybe, tonight.

Tomorrow night, the week after that?

Nah.

I been at Messengers every Saturday night for the last 10 years.

Messengers gonna be there another 10 years after that, at least.

I play, and I get as much corn liquor as I can drink.

A sinner like me, I can't ask for more than that.

[ Applause ] For his performance in "Sinners," it is our pleasure to present the Movies for Grownups Best Supporting Actor Award to... -Delroy Lindo.

[ Cheers and applause ] ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ [ Cheers and applause ] -Thank you so much.

Thank you.

Um, it's my belief that... audiences... many years into the future will be talking about "Sinners."

That is the vision, the sweep of this young man to my left.

Ryan brought together a -- a company of workers, of creative workers, and we all were able to connect to his vision, his passion, and we all formed a family, which doesn't always happen.

We did on this film.

And we took this project forward in a very, very dynamic, extraordinary way.

Thank you.

Thank you, Wunmi.

Thank you to AARP for this.

Thank you so much.

My incredible castmates.

-[ Chuckles ] -Um... Mike, Michael B. Jordan, all of us in the cast.

Last but not least, um, my beautiful wife, Nashormeh, who has been with me through all of it, man, the ups, the downs, and everything in between.

Thank you, babe.

I love you.

Thank you so much.

[ Cheers and applause ] ♪ ♪ -Our next nominee for Best Movie is Paul Thomas Anderson's action thriller about a washed-up revolutionary who lives off the grid in a state of stoned paranoia.

Sounds great to me.

[ Laughter ] When his evil nemesis resurfaces and his daughter goes missing, the former radical is forced back into his dangerous past.

He reunites with the members of his group on a mission to rescue her.

[ Up-tempo music plays ] -♪ "One" ♪ "Battle After Another" ♪ PTA is having fun ♪ Leo's stoned and on the run ♪ There's guns ♪ And nuns ♪ Boom, pow ♪ Blowing up the system ♪ Ooh, wow ♪ Viva la resistance ♪ ♪ Alana ♪ Haim This is "One Battle After Another."

[ Cheers and applause ] -♪ Freedom, freedom -Hands in the air!

-I wanted to protect you from all your mom's stuff, from all my stuff, even though I know that's impossible.

Guess this is the end of the line.

-Not for you.

-♪ Freedom, freedom, where are you?

♪ ♪ I'mma keep runnin' ♪ 'Cause a winner don't quit on themselves ♪ [ Rapid gunfire ] -Whoa.

Who's this?

-Oh, they're just my friends.

-Now, is that a he or a she or a they?

-It's not that hard!

They, them.

-Okay, I just wanna be polite.

-♪ Keep running, jump in the aqueducts ♪ ♪ Fire hydrants and hazardous smoke alarms on the back of us ♪ ♪ But, mama, don't cry for me, ride for me, try for me ♪ ♪ Live for me, breathe for me, sing for me ♪ -Yo.

Say it.

Say it, baby.

-Love you, Bob.

-Love you, too.

-♪ Freedom, freedom, I can't move ♪ -You know what freedom is?

No fear.

Just like Tom Cruise.

[ Tires screeching ] -[ Grunting ] [ Cheers and applause ] -It is my pleasure to announce that this year's award for Best Screenwriter goes to Paul Thomas Anderson for "One Battle After Another."

Here are a few more minutes of his exceptional work.

-Rise and shine.

-Okay, uh -- [ Clears throat ] Bat an eyelash.

-Good morning.

-There are no hands on the clock.

-Why?

-Because they're not needed.

-What time is it?

-Uh... You know, I don't -- I don't -- I don't remember that part, alright?

L-L-Let's just not nitpick over the password stuff.

Look, this is Bob Ferguson alright?

You ju-- You just called my house.

L-L-Let's cut the... I need the rendezvous point.

-What time is it?

-Look, Steve Lockjaw just attacked my home.

I-I lost my daughter.

This is Bob Ferguson.

Do you understand?

I-I don't remember any more of this -- I don't remember any more of this code speak, alright?

Let's just get on with it.

What is the rendezvous point?

[ Cheers and applause ] -Paul cannot be with us tonight, so I will give him this when he casts me in his next movie.

And now here are the nominees for Best Actor.

-You know what sucks and what's not nice, is that I'm working my ass off trying to stay sober around here.

-Sure, okay, yeah.

Maybe I'll call your sponsor.

-Don't...do that.

You stop.

Don't...work my program like that.

-Don't you...get in my face.

-Don't you...work my program like that!

-Yeah, they, uh -- they didn't make it out.

-Oh, Robert.

-Yeah.

You see, sometimes, it -- it -- it... It feels like the sadness will just eat me alive, but... ...sometimes it just -- it feels like it -- it happened to somebody else.

-I wrote a song once years ago called "The Heart Is Quicker Than the Eye."

It's not a great song, but it's a good title and it's true.

I think the head has nothing to do with... the madness of love.

[ Chuckles ] -Uh, I think we got off on the wrong foot.

I was trying to get, uh, the rendezvous point for my daughter.

-Right.

-Willa.

-If you can't answer, "What time is it?"

I cannot give you the rendezvous point.

This is a key tenet of the rebellion effect.

-"What time is it?"

-I'm surprised you can't name it.

I don't know if you are who you say you are.

[ Applause ] Can I go again?

I'd like another one.

[ Cheers and applause ] And the winner is... George Clooney for his performance in "Jay Kelly."

To present the award, please welcome one of tonight's nominees, two-time Emmy winner, Noah Wyle.

[ Cheers and applause ] ♪ -As performers, we all keep aces up our sleeves, rehearsed mannerisms and behaviors that favor us and make us look cool or beautiful or mysterious.

And when you work closely with someone and know them for over 30 years, you get to know their tricks and their shtick pretty well.

But true artists reinvent themselves continually, and they have the courage to abandon the tried-and-true gimmick for the vulnerable discomfort of honest expression.

With his performance in "Jay Kelly," George has completed another successful journey of artistic reinvention, creating yet another unforgettable character.

In this Preston Sturges-esque commentary on the cult of celebrity, Jay Kelly is a self-absorbed, emotionally stunted movie star who is unable to connect to the people who need him most.

Having been too busy making movies to raise his now-adult daughters, Jay Kelly attempts to make things right with his college-bound daughter by crashing a European vacation she's taking with friends, which just happens to coincide with a tribute he's receiving in Tuscany.

Through the chaos that ensues, George pulls off quite a feat of magic.

He makes us care and root for a guy who leaves damage in his wake.

Here are a few moments of George's remarkable performance in "Jay Kelly."

[ Applause ] -I could have been a very good dad to you, Jess.

I wanted to, yeah.

It's just, things with your mother and distance, and I didn't execute it the way I planned it.

That's just a bad -- -Just be honest with me, Jay.

Stop rationalizing and trying to defend yourself.

Just stop.

-I was young and I wanted something very badly and I was afraid that if I took my eye off of it, I couldn't have it.

And I was right.

There's no other way to do it.

-[ Sniffles ] -And it meant choosing... it over you.

But it was supposed to be temporary, just... ...until I had what I wanted.

But then I had to keep it.

[ Applause ] -And now it is my pleasure to present the Movies for Grownups Best Actor Award to my good friend Mr.

George Clooney.

[ Cheers and applause ] ♪ -Stand over here with me.

[ Chuckles ] Well, thank you.

Thank you to the AARP.

I have to say, you know, Movies for Grownups just means, you know, old people.

[ Laughter ] And I realize now that the only way I was gonna win anything is that Timothie Chalamet is too damn young.

[ Laughter ] So put that in your pipe, Timothie.

[ Laughs ] By the way, you know, when I was -- when I was -- Like, Paul, how old are you?

-I'm 29.

-Yeah, yeah.

He's 29 years old.

When I was 29 years old and I heard somebody died when they were 64, I'd be like, "They lived a good life.

They did alright."

[ Laughter ] You know?

And now it's like, "What?

What are you talking about?"

Look, I got to do -- I got to be in a film with a really wonderful filmmaker -- Noah.

The script is beautiful.

I couldn't believe my luck that I got to play the part.

I couldn't believe the luck that I had to work with Adam... [ Applause ] ...my buddy, my partner in this.

Beautiful, beautiful performance, beautiful actor.

And Laura, who I've -- Laura and I did -- My first film 40 years ago was called "Grizzly II."

[ Laughter ] Yes, and the grizzly won, uh, and we got eaten.

And it didn't come out until about a year ago.

[ Laughter ] It was that bad.

This is a film about -- and made by people who love actors.

You know, it's an important part of this, is, you know, I look around this room, and there are people I've known, you know, most of my life actually.

And most of them are actors.

And I have a great affinity.

And I don't enjoy watching people be cruel to actors.

By the way, uh, Paul Dano and Owen Wilson and Matthew Lillard -- I would be honored to work with those actors, honored.

[ Applause ] And this idea that we're living in a time of cruelty, we don't need to be adding to it.

Uh, I'm very happy to be here, very happy to see all of you.

It's gonna be a long, tough couple of years, but we'll all get through it together, okay?

So, thanks.

[ Cheers and applause ] ♪ Our next film nominated for Best Movie is a pulse-pounding thriller told from three points of view and takes us to the brink of nuclear annihilation.

Yes, it's another musical.

[ Laughter ] When a mysterious missile is launched at the United States, a race begins to determine who is responsible and how to respond before it destroys Chicago.

[ Soft music playing ] -♪ Try to stop that missile ♪ That's what they say ♪ Easy ♪ Try to stop that missile ♪ Save the USA ♪ Easy ♪ Please save Chicago ♪ Don't let it burn again ♪ We're counting on Rebecca Ferguson ♪ This is "A House of Dynamite."

[ Applause ] -Approximately three minutes ago, we detected an ICBM over the Pacific.

Current flight trajectory is consistent with impact somewhere in the continental United States.

-Have we seen DEFCON 2 before?

-No.

-Is this real?

[ Camera shutters clicking ] -STRATCOM is asking for launch instructions right now.

-I'm gonna need you to breathe.

We are talking about hitting a bullet with a bullet.

-So it's a...coin toss?

That's what $50 billion buys us?!

-Get in the car and just start driving.

-If we do not take steps to neutralize our enemies now, we will lose our window to do so.

-If we get this wrong, none of us are gonna be alive tomorrow.

[ Alarm blaring ] -None of this makes sense.

Making all these bombs and all these plans.

[ Countdown beeping ] The walls are just ready to blow.

[ Applause ] -Since 2007, the Movies for Grownups Career Achievement Award has recognized artists for the continued pursuit of excellence in entertainment for the 50-plus audience.

Adam Sandler has been reaching all generations with his movies, especially those fans who grew up with him and are now fellow AARP members.

[ Laughter, applause ] To present the Career Achievement Award, please welcome producer, director, Emmy-winning actor, and national treasure Henry Winkler!

[ Cheers and applause ] ♪ -Whew!

Okay, so, a few years ago, Adam was presented with a wonderful outstanding actor award here at the Movies for Grownups for his brilliant "Uncut Gems."

I mean, just really revelatory.

[ Applause ] And he came up on stage a little early.

He came up, well, a lot early.

He came up on stage before Conan O'Brien ever mentioned his category and just kind of stood there.

And I'm not saying this to embarrass you, Adam.

I just -- I want you not to be embarrassed a second time 'cause I've written a lot of nice things about you.

I dressed up.

I had some breath mints so that I wouldn't offend.

And I schlepped all the way here.

So, I would like to say what I've written.

For three decades, you have, with your collaborators, created a most eclectic and delightful career.

Sometimes you have surprised people, and a lot of times you have outlived those people who underestimated you and your talent.

[ Laughter ] Now, anybody who knows Adam knows there's a little ADD going on.

He's gotta be a little busy.

And when he's not shooting or playing music, there are -- there are easels and canvases.

And he bought every color under the sun in a spray can.

And the actors and crew members who are not working at the moment all got a spray can.

And we -- pssh!

-- put a little dot on this canvas to make a work of art.

And all of a sudden, a little boy, 9 years old, walks up and goes," "Adam Sandler, Adam Sandler.

I never thought I would meet you in my whole life."

And without thinking about it, Adam took one of those cans, put it in the child's hand, and now he's in the circle waiting for his turn to -- pssh!

-- put a little dot on that canvas.

He went from being a fan to being enveloped into Adam Sandler's life in an instant.

Now, Adam constantly teaches us what it is to have generosity of soul.

Perhaps the golden key is his unwavering sense of loyalty.

Most of the people that populated the beginning of his production company, Happy Madison, he met in his dorm at NYU.

And together they created an empire.

Adam is also an unbelievable family man.

He is dedicated to his beautiful and talented wife, Jackie, to their two daughters, Sadie and Sunny.

And all the while this man has never changed his Hawaiian shirt and sports shorts.

[ Laughter ] Okay, okay, okay.

Maybe there was a sport jersey involved.

[ Laughter ] But I will say that most of all -- and here's another lesson -- Adam is true to himself.

He is true to his style of comedy.

So, let's take a look at just a smattering of this man's career.

[ Applause ] ♪ [ Murmuring, indistinct shouting ] -That was so much easier than putting.

I should just try to get the ball in one shot every time.

-♪ See that pretty girl in that mirror there ♪ -♪ What mirror, where?

-♪ Who could that attractive girl be?

♪ -♪ Who, which one, where, hum -♪ Such a pretty face -♪ Hum, hum -♪ Such a pretty dress ♪ Such a pretty smile -♪ Hum -♪ Such a pretty me -♪ Hu-u-u-m -Nah, I'm not into evil and torture and all that stuff.

Plus, the Prince of Darkness should have sort of a distinguished look to him, and let's face facts -- I'm no George Clooney.

[ Chuckles ] -I'm suddenly remembering things I haven't thought about in a long time.

-My family's losing it at home.

-It's like a movie where I'm playing myself or watching myself.

-I'm sorry.

You gotta go again.

I didn't hear a word you said.

-I said I'm suddenly remembering things.

What is that?

-Memory?

-Well, yes.

-Maybe your memory's trying to tell you something about your present.

-You said it was alright to fight back, and I-I just started thinking about all the people who've been mean to me over the years.

-That's it.

That's it.

I want you to think about all those mean people.

They're gonna be your... tackling fuel.

-Tackling fuel.

-We're gonna use them to play football.

-We got a little time left.

We can still do this.

I'm begging you.

Put your hands in here.

♪ -The Sixers are supposed to win the game tonight they think.

-I don't keep track of none of that... -Doesn't that make you want to step on...Elton Brand's...neck?

Come on, KG.

This is no different than that.

This is me, alright?

I'm not a...athlete.

This is my...way.

This is how I win.

-I'll give you $50,000.

Don't make me suffer.

Please.

Kill me, Ira.

I'm begging you.

-Can you at least gimme, like, a night to think about it?

-Ha!

Think about it?!

You would do it!

-Has anybody tried to revive him?

-He's got a knife plunged in his heart.

I don't think he's revivable.

-Should we pull it out?

-No, it's a foot-long knife.

It's just like pulling out -- [ Indistinct shouting ] -Will you listen to my husband?!

He's a detective.

-Yes.

Yes.

What should we do, Mr.

Officer?

-Well, for starters, let's stop removing and reinserting the murder weapon into the victim's chest.

-I'm a nice man.

I mind my own business.

So you tell me, "That's that," before I beat the hell from you.

I have so much strength in me, you have no idea.

-[ Breathing heavily ] -I have a love in my life.

It makes me stronger than anything you can imagine.

-[ Chuckles ] How did you become a wedding singer?

-I think I got into it to make some money until my music career took off.

-And you wanna be a rock star?

-Kind of just wanted to be a songwriter, you know?

I think that's the hardest thing, to write a song, a song that, uh, you know, when people hear it, they go, "Whoa, I know what that guy was feeling when he wrote that."

-♪ They say jokes can stay funny forever ♪ ♪ A good joke can stay funny forever ♪ ♪ Movies get older but the kids still get 'em ♪ ♪ All the great laughs, yeah, we'll never forget 'em ♪ ♪ That's why I say thank you [ Cheers and applause ] ♪ Thank you ♪ Good night [ Cheers and applause ] [ Cheers and applause ] -Adam... I am honored on this earth to know you and I am privileged to give you Movies for Grownups' Career Achievement Award.

Adam Sandler, ladies and gentlemen.

[ Cheers and applause ] ♪ ♪ -Thank you.

Thank you.

Henry Winkler.

Come on.

The Fonz is in the house.

The Fonz.

You give it up for the Fonz.

This is great.

That was so sweet.

Thanks, everybody.

I love you.

What a nice night.

Great grapes.

Uh... [ Laughter ] Some good breadsticks.

Uh, everybody, I -- That was so awesome.

Thanks, Henry.

You know I love you.

And the speech -- Henry gave me and my wife a speech at our wedding, and it was the greatest speech.

Everybody talks about that, how wonderful your speech was to me and Jackie.

Okay, I love you, buddy.

I wrote this.

Here we go.

Clooney, I love you.

Laura.

Congratulations to you guys, okay?

♪ Hello to the A to the A to the R to the P ♪ ♪ Good evening, my silver-haired daddies ♪ ♪ And my salt-and-pepper mamas Thank you.

Thanks.

[ Laughter, applause ] I am -- I hope this goes okay.

I don't know if this was... We'll see.

I am honored here tonight accepting this most distinguished Career Achievement Award.

A lot of people said to me, "Sandman, I think getting an AARP award means that you're old now."

To that I say, "It's not because of this award.

I got 10 other reasons."

Number 1, the other day, I had to swallow a Viagra just to take a [bleep] [ Laughter ] And of -- [ Chuckles ] And of course I had to call my doctor because the [bleep] lasted for more than four hours.

[ Laughter ] Number 2, when I sit down, it sounds like a semi-truck driving over a family of lobsters that were cracking their knuckles and eating Pop Rocks.

Number 3, my tongue only has one taste bud left.

Everything I eat now tastes like oatmeal, except oatmeal, which tastes like Vaseline.

[ Laughter ] Number 4, the font on my phone is so big, my texts can be read by anyone with a window seat on a Delta flight.

[ Laughter, applause ] [ Chuckles ] This guy knows what I'm talking about right there.

[ Laughter ] I got another one for us.

Number 5, after I sneeze, I have to use a DUDE Wipe.

[ Laughter ] Number s-- I'm so sorry.

[ Laughter ] Only five left.

Number 6, when I dive to the bottom of the pool, most of my back skin stays floating on top like a lily pad.

[ Laughter ] Number 7, at my high school reunions, I spend most of the night saying, "I'm so sorry to hear that.

We will all miss him or her so much."

Number 8, none of my toenails are the same color anymore.

[ Laughter ] If I take my socks off, it looks like a pack of Crayola crayons.

[ Laughter ] Number 9, the other day I called the Depends diaper headquarters and asked them if they ever considered getting into the sweatpants game.

[ Laughter ] Number 10, finally, when I received the Academy Award screeners app, even though I pressed play on 44 different movies, I could only stay awake for a combined total of 8 minutes.

[ Laughter ] To every one of you fellow artists out there who are getting all the accolades, I must say I loved the first 30 seconds of all of your performances.

[ Cheers and applause ] That was long.

I'm sorry.

It's been a long night.

Let's keep going.

Thank you to my fa-- Honestly, thank you to my family for supporting my goofiness for all these years.

I love you.

Thank you to my lovely wife for staying with me even though no part of my body is where it used to be.

[ Laughter ] Thank you to my two gorgeous children for not laughing every time I walk down the hallway shirtless.

[ Chuckles ] They do laugh, by the way.

And may I say to everyone in this room, I don't know how much time I have left, 60, 70 years, 80, tops, maybe 90 if I start working out and taking creatine.

[ Laughter ] Mama, I love you, by the way Mom.

But I promise to every one of you here tonight, I will make at least 50 more movies before I am dead, and at least 25 of them will be good.

[ Laughter ] Peace!

I'm outta here!

Thank you for all this!

It's very nice!

Love you, love you, love you, love you!

[ Cheers and applause ] ♪ -Now, many of us in this room go both ways.

Movies and television.

So we will now honor some of the best in television for grownups.

This year's winner for Best TV Series is "The Pitt."

To present the award is the CEO of AARP, Dr.

Myechia Minter-Jordan.

[ Applause ] ♪ -I am proud of AARP's mission to support America's 63 million family caregivers -- that's one in four adults -- and to stand with them in their tireless dedication to the ones they love.

We will continue working to ensure they receive the recognition, resources, and support they deserve.

During my career as a physician, I witnessed firsthand the kinds of moments and decisions "The Pitt" brings to life with such honesty and power.

Viewers have applauded the show for its realism, from the emotional toll caregiving takes on families to disagreements over treatment decisions, how we care for our older adults, and the importance of dignity at the end of life.

In one particularly moving episode, written by Noah Wyle, a brother and sister face the heartbreaking question of how to care for their father in his final days.

The sister wrestles with her initial decision, one that would've led to extraordinary measures with little benefit, forcing both siblings to confront what compassionate care truly means.

Noah's character gently guides them towards a more humane, dignified path, offering a few simple words he learned from a mentor, words meant to bring peace, closure, and love at the end.

That scene and the power of that single speech cuts to the core of the series.

It is the rare alchemy of sharp writing and exceptional acting brought together in service of a story that is deeply personal and universally human.

Here's a brief look at that powerful moment from "The Pitt."

-[ Voice breaking ] I don't think that I can do this.

-Okay.

Just to be clear, your father's dying, and you're choosing to allow that to occur naturally rather than subject him to a torturous amount of procedures, which would only delay the inevitable.

-I just thought that it would be different.

I thought that there were -- we'd have more time.

-Is your family religious?

-Oh, God, no.

No God.

-I had a teacher, a mentor, who told me about a Hawaiian ritual called Ho'oponopono, or the four things that matter most.

It's basically just a few key things that we can say when we're saying goodbye to a loved one that can really help at the early stages of loss.

-What are they?

-They're gonna sound really simple, but I swear I've seen 'em work.

-Okay.

-"I love you."

"Thank you."

"I forgive you."

"Please forgive me."

-That's -- That's it?

-Yep.

Told you it was simple.

-[ Exhales heavily ] [ Cheers and applause ] -It is my pleasure to present the Movies for Grownups Award for Best TV Series to "The Pitt."

Accepting are the star and executive producer, Noah Wyle, and the executive producer and showrunner, R. Scott Gemmill.

[ Cheers and applause ] ♪ ♪ -Thank you very much.

Thank you for this recognition from AARP, but more importantly, thank you for everything else you do.

This is a bonus, but your work is very important to us.

We wouldn't be here without HBO Max and Warner Bros.

We have an amazing cast and crew, and we have some of the greatest background artists in the business, and I wanna give them a big shout-out because they don't get the recognition they always deserve.

We are so inspired by the work of first responders and healthcare workers, and that's why we do what we do.

And we just try to be as authentic and truthful as we can when we tell their stories.

And we thank them for their service.

Thank you very much.

[ Applause ] ♪ -And now here are the nominees for Best Actress TV.

♪ -It's the most unsatisfying thing about being an executive.

Your name is nowhere on the film.

-Exactly.

Yes.

Yes.

-And without a thank-you, you basically do not exist.

-Exactly.

Yes.

-Oh, my God, when I wasn't thanked, I went and sobbed the entire limo ride home.

But now I'm a nominee.

Must be one of the perks of getting canned.

-Yeah, it's too long.

You gotta be delulu if you think people are gonna watch that.

This is gonna make my job impossible 'cause it's gonna destroy word of mouth.

Wait, is this the final cut?

-No, Ron's still tweaking with a few little things.

-Great.

So you can give him that note to cut that interminable motel sequence.

[ Dramatic music playing ] -I came here expecting to be invisible.

People don't see old women.

But you saw me.

-[ Laughs ] I thought I was gonna have a grand mal seizure.

Ahh.

What was that?

That was -- That was a convention for con men and tax cheats.

[ Cheers and applause ] -That was amazing.

-Thank you.

-The devil's real, and he lives inside me.

-Oh.

A fan's a fan.

-[ Laughs ] [ Cheers and applause ] -This year's winner for Best Actress TV is Kathy Bates.

[ Cheers and applause ] To present the award, please welcome her "Matlock" costar, two-time Emmy nominee Jason Ritter.

[ Cheers and applause ] ♪ Kathy Bates has been changing the game ever since she began playing the game.

She is an actor's actor, the North Star that we all look to, to remind us of what kind of performance we want to give, one that is real and funny and heartbreaking and beautiful.

I am so honored to be working with her on "Matlock" with a front-row seat to her incredible gifts as an artist.

Watching her work on a weekly basis is the gift of a lifetime.

Her brilliance, combined with her generosity as a scene partner, shine a light so warm and bright that she makes everyone working with her better.

And I have personally experienced my own impostor syndrome melting away by her presence.

And then it comes back 'cause it always comes back, and it's here right now tonight.

Um, but, uh... [ Laughter ] ...I am so grateful that one of her wonderful qualities is making every actor in every scene feel like we all have the same right to be there, whether it's someone's first job or their sixtieth.

And viewers of "Matlock" respond to the humanity of her character, Matty, because they experience what we experience -- Kathy's humanity.

Our show speaks to all ages, but in particular, grownup audiences.

It was created in response to ageism in society and especially Hollywood, and it's working.

It's rare that a TV series centered around a septuagenarian returning to the workforce can get pitched, much less get made, and then go on to find a loyal audience.

Women of Matty Matlock's generation are often overlooked by society, but she leans into being perpetually underestimated and uses her invisibility as a superpower.

"Nobody sees us coming," Matty says, which allows her to defy expectations.

Like our show, Kathy has defied the odds through her incredible talent.

She has so much to give.

And here are a few moments of Kathy at work in "Matlock."

[ Applause ] -You think a jury is going to convict me?

I could burn this courthouse to the ground, and they'd still be eating butterscotch outta my hand.

I'll just play the harmless old lady, the grieving mother.

[ Scoffs ] I'm untouchable.

And if you don't send me that document by the end of the night... it'll be your kids who grow up without parents.

♪ [ Cheers and applause ] -It is my pleasure to present the Movies for Grownups Best Actress Television Award to one of the coolest people I have ever met, Kathy Bates.

[ Cheers and applause ] ♪ ♪ ♪ Oh, yes, I will.

-Thank you very much.

It's so exciting to be here tonight to see so many people that I admire and who inspire me to keep doing what I love to do.

It's just... I feel like a crazed fan.

[ Laughter ] Um... [ Chuckling ] I can't believe I said that.

Um, anyway, um... Thank you.

Thank you to AARP for this prestigious award.

And congratulations to all of the nominees tonight.

And to all of the people out there who are watching, the millions of retired persons all over America, the industry tends to narrow the kinds of stories and characters that older actors like me get to inhabit.

And that sets up a disturbing dynamic because when we aren't reflected in those stories, we -- we all start to feel unseen and invisible.

And people stop noticing us.

Uh, and Matty refuses to be unseen.

And her unwavering resolve is resonating with our audiences, thank the good Lord, week after week, especially older women who have reached out to share how empowered they are, finally able to feel seen in their own lives.

And that has been incredibly gratifying to me because it happens in the real world with real people.

But if you'll allow me, my role model and the engine that drives my Matty is my mother, Bertye Bates.

She was born in 1907.

She was smart and quick-witted.

And she always used to say she wasn't a good mother because she never really wanted to be a mother.

And neither did I, so I get it.

She came along when women didn't have all of the opportunities we fought for.

She wanted to be a lawyer, and she would've been a damn good one.

And she is my Matty.

[ Applause ] She is always in my mind and heart as I revel in playing this magnificent character.

I pinch myself every day, Jason, when we go into work.

And, I mean, how in the world do we get to play in such a magnificent show?

How lucky are we?

And what a miracle that I was able to be in this at 77.

I can't believe it.

I love my work.

After 50 years, I'm getting pretty good at it.

[ Laughter ] And most of all, being with the young people is really food for me.

And I was -- I meant to write "good," but then I thought, "You know, 'food' really is apt," because working feeds my soul.

And I learned to listen more and learn more about the world I am living in now.

And at the end of the day, I go home having felt useful.

I hope I have made Bertye Bates' dream come true, if not for her, then for the daughters she raised right.

She taught me to love words, so I hope you've enjoyed mine this evening.

I wouldn't be as confident as I am to stand before you tonight and accept this lovely award without her strength to move through a life she might not have chosen for herself, but dedicated to raising her three daughters, who loved her deeply.

And I hope you will allow me to accept this lovely award for her, the real Matty Matlock.

Thank you.

[ Cheers and applause ] ♪ ♪ -And now here are the nominees for Best Actor TV.

♪ -You had him killed over some land deal or some... You -- You don't... remember that?

He was my father.

-Gloria Hatchett?

-He was a good man.

And I never got to meet him.

-Whoa.

-He just kept saying it over and over.

-He just kept saying, "It wasn't me.

Dad, it wasn't me."

And I believed him.

-Lamb?

-Yeah, I'm here.

Well, part of her dating Ho was to get a file.

I read it.

Who do you think deserves a punishment greater than utter humiliation?

-I would do it all over again.

-Because you're selfish.

-Because I love you... ♪ ...in a way you -- you can't understand.

-Sir, you gotta go, man.

You gotta go.

You gotta go.

You gotta go.

-Wait, Robbie.

Robbie, wait, wait!

-Go put him back in his bed, please.

[ Crying ] ♪ [ Cheers and applause ] -And the winner for Best Actor TV is Noah Wyle for "The Pitt."

[ Cheers and applause ] To present the award is a young actor who I predict has a bright future ahead of him, two-time Academy Award winner and recent Movies for Grownups winner, George Clooney.

[ Cheers and applause ] -Okay, it's a honor for me to be able to return this favor to Noah.

You know, by the way, AARP, just a thought for your magazine -- once a year, you do Sexiest Man Still Alive.

[ Laughter ] I'm just saying, I just want that out there as an idea.

I would nominate Noah Wyle as the first guy.

[ Laughter ] You know, I met Noah in 1993.

He was 23 years old, I think.

He hadn't worked a lot yet.

And we did this show called "ER."

And it was this crazy hit.

And at one point, we had 40 million people watching it.

And I remember Noah going, "Is that good?"

And I was like, "That's good."

[ Laughter ] "That won't happen again in your life."

He was wise beyond his years from the very beginning, from the very start.

He was -- You know, we were doing a lot of -- It was -- You know, at that time, when you did a show, it was 44 pages if you did an hour show.

And we were doing 95- and 100-page episodes, you know?

So you're just jamming all this medical dialogue together.

Noah was the best at all of it.

He was also the kindest person I ever met.

We became very dear friends, very early, and we have remained that way for well over 30 years now.

He is a great father.

He is a great husband.

We all can see what an extraordinary actor he is.

And I'm gonna show you a clip, some more work of his in a second.

But not just to talk about him as an actor, but to talk about him as a man, he is -- I'm very proud to call him a friend.

I'm also proud to call him a colleague.

And when I grow up, I want to be Noah Wyle.

[ Laughter ] So let's take a look at a few clips from the show.

-This place will break your heart.

But it is also full of miracles, and that is a testament to all of you coming together and doing what we do best.

Thank you for everything you did here today.

We saw 112 mass-casualty patients come through here in the last four hours.

And 106 of them are gonna live.

None of us are gonna forget today [clears throat] even if we really, really want to.

[ Exhales heavily ] So go home.

Let yourselves cry.

You'll feel better.

It's just grief... leaving the body.

[ Cheers and applause ] -Ladies and gentlemen, the Best Actor in a television series, Noah Wyle.

[ Cheers and applause ] ♪ ♪ -Oh, wow, you got me choked up there, buddy.

Um, what a tremendous, tremendous honor.

Thank you to the AARP, and thank you, George, for handing it to me.

Um, I learned a lot of what I practice on the set of "The Pitt," in terms of set deportment and professionalism, from this man right here.

I remember vividly the first week of "ER," he called the entire cast into his trailer, and he said, "Okay, everybody, this time it's gonna be different.

We're gonna be nice to everybody, and there's not gonna be any division between cast and crew or foreground and background.

We're gonna learn our lines.

We're gonna be on time.

We're gonna be pleasant.

And we're gonna take our work seriously, but we're not gonna take ourselves seriously."

And I was young enough, as we all were, to go, "Okay, George"... [ Laughter ] ...and believe that that was the way it worked.

And for the first 15 years of my career, that is how it worked.

And then I spent the next 15 years trying to find that feeling, that sense of family, that sense of commitment, that sense of buy-in.

And it was only with "The Pitt" that I've found it again, this way of working where everybody is respected, everybody's included, everybody's opinion matters, everybody's idea counts.

And you have a really good time while you do it.

And it just resonates outside the sound stage walls, outside the city, outside the country, and around the world.

And this has been the second time lightning has struck in my life.

And I don't know that it will strike again, but I'm very conscious of being present and clear-eyed for all of this.

Michelangelo said before he began a work of art, he would look to the heavens and say, "Lord, rid me of myself so that I may please thee."

And I say it before every take I do, and I've said it to a million other people.

So, thank you to all of you for being here.

Thanks, buddy.

See you later.

[ Applause ] ♪ -The next nominee for Best Movie for Grownups is set in 1932 in the Mississippi Delta.

Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin World War I veterans return to their hometown to open a juke joint.

Their plans for community and prosperity are derailed by a supernatural evil.

And it actually kind of is a musical.

I don't want to talk... [ Piano music playing ] ♪ About the state of ticket sales ♪ ♪ No one goes to shows ♪ They all just stream at home ♪ But "Sinners" takes it all ♪ Huge box-office draw ♪ When vampires sink their teeth ♪ ♪ That means butts in seats ♪ "Sinners" takes it all This is "Sinners."

[ Cheers and applause ] -I don't believe in magic.

Ghosts, demons.

[ Gunshot ] Just power.

-♪ Somebody please take me ♪ Take me ♪ Take me -[ Laughing ] We gon' kill every last one of you.

♪ ♪ -Hey, I didn't mean to scare you.

Thought y'all done forgot about me in here.

Come on, open the door, let me on out of here.

-Stack.

That's you?

-Of course it's me.

Open the door.

-That ain't your brother.

♪ -♪ Lied to you, ooh [ Cheers and applause ] -This year's winner for Best Period film is "Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere."

To present the award, please welcome Oscar nominee Jesse Plemons.

[ Applause ] ♪ -"Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere" captures a pivotal time in the life of Bruce Springsteen as he struggles to make one of his most enduring works, his 1982 album "Nebraska."

More than just a slice of '80s nostalgia, Scott Cooper's brilliant film chronicles the creative catharsis of an artist coming to terms with the traumas of his past.

Through flashbacks of his memories, both happy and wounding, we gain a greater understanding of the events that shaped him and the anxieties that fuel his depression.

From the iconic stone pony in Asbury Park to the bedroom in which Springsteen sets up a four-track recorder, every location, every moment is rich with period authenticity.

In fascinating detail, Scott takes us deep into the technical side of how music is made.

We experience the battles over artistic choices between Springsteen and his engineer, and we see the almost insurmountable difficulties of turning his cassette tapes into vinyl.

Ultimately, the album was mastered from the analog tapes recorded in the bedroom of his rented house.

The result was a unique sound that has yet to be duplicated.

Here are a few moments from this powerful film.

♪ -Hey, the boys up there?

Let's burn this place down, Johnny.

[ "Born in the U.S.A."

plays ] Come on.

Let's go.

♪ ♪ ♪ Born down in a dead man's town ♪ ♪ The first kick I took was when I hit the ground ♪ ♪ End up like a dog that's been beat too much ♪ ♪ Till you spend half your life just to cover it up now ♪ ♪ Born in the USA ♪ I was born in the USA ♪ I was born in the USA [ Applause ] -Yeah buddy.

And now it is my great pleasure to present the Movies for Grownups Award for Best Period Film to my friend, the writer, director, and producer of "Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere," Scott Cooper.

[ "Born in the U.S.A."

plays ] ♪ ♪ -Ah, how lovely it is to have one of my closest collaborators and closest friends, Jesse, to present this to me.

And for those of you who haven't seen Jesse's remarkable turn in "Bugonia," please do so, 'cause it's -- Yes.

[ Applause ] So I want to thank AARP for this honor.

Oh, first of all, I imagine that Coogler, Josh Safdie and the others were too young to win this.

So I'll take it.

[ Laughter ] But I want to thank the AARP for this honor and for recognizing films that don't rush us, films that assume that the audience has lived a little and knows that some stories unfold quietly and over time.

"Deliver Me from Nowhere" was never meant to look backward with nostalgia.

It was about paying attention to a moment in life when the noise fades and the questions get louder, about what happens when success doesn't bring clarity and you're left alone with yourself.

This film grew out of a singular moment in Bruce Springsteen's life when he wrote "Nebraska" quietly and privately and -- and not knowing who or if anyone would actually ever hear it, only knowing that this was a very honest record.

And for me, that choice and that kind of record felt worth honoring.

So I want to thank Bruce Springsteen for trusting me with something so personal.

Bruce has now seen the movie 15 times, and I'm dead serious.

And I want to thank my cast and crew for understanding that this story lived in restraint, in silence and -- and in what isn't said.

And finally, I want to thank the audience, in this case, the grownup audience, who brings a lifetime of experience into the theater, who understand that reflection is not retreat and that some of the most powerful stories don't announce themselves right away, but they stay with you because you recognize something true.

I'm deeply grateful for this.

Thank you.

[ Applause ] ♪ -Throughout the night, we've shared clips of this year's five nominated films.

Once again, the nominees for Best Movie are... ♪ ♪ And the winner for Best Movie for Grownups is...

"Hamnet."

[ Cheers and applause ] To present the award, please welcome an Emmy and Movies for Grownups Career Achievement Award winner, Sharon Stone.

♪ -Good evening.

Well, "Hamnet"... thank you for making it.

Director and writer Chloi Zhao and her co-writer Maggie O'Farrell made something that will stand the test of time.

Chloi, you direct from your heart and with your heart, and that is evidenced by the extraordinary performances of Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal.

[ Applause ] And astoundingly by Jacobi Jupe, who plays their son Hamnet.

[ Applause ] When we look at the subject of grief, particularly during a time when we are all collectively grieving the things that we once knew and in a room where we are all old enough to have loved and to have lost or to be losing, it hits with an impact that is indescribable and inexplicable.

However, I can say this.

It measures equally to the amount of joy and love and the impact that has left.

These losses do not just simply disappear.

They move into us.

They become a piece of us.

They become a part of us.

And as Chloi explores in this spectacular film, she tells us that it is okay to allow that impact not only to hit you... [ Exhales deeply ] [ Exhales deeply ] ...to knock you out... ...but to wake you up... ...to the understanding of what you have.

And with that, it is my -- Sorry.

Because I, too, am at that age of loss like you, Laura.

And it is such an empowering, maturing, and deepening moment when we lose.

And therefore, it is my honor... to present AARP's Best Movie for Grownups to Chloi Zhao and her stars, Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, who have helped me cry tears of joy.

[ Applause ] ♪ ♪ ♪ -Hi.

Good evening.

Um, thank you, Sharon.

You are -- You're so iconic.

And I was a -- growing up in China, and, um, we didn't have a lot of movies and we had your movies.

Um, and, uh, my parents are so excited about this.

[ Laughter ] More than anything I've ever done is, uh, this video that, um, I'm gonna send them tonight.

So -- And, um, you're also so brave and, um... -Thank you.

-...so real.

And I want to thank the AARP.

We -- We feel so incredibly humble to be in this room.

Thank you for, um, this honor and also for your wisdom and for the deeply important work that you do.

I'd like to thank Focus Features for your passion and your patience and, uh, unconditional support and our deeply caring producers.

Um, um, my big-hearted, um, incredibly talented cast, Jessie, Paul and, uh -- and the whole village of "Hamnet."

We -- We did this together.

Uh, someone once said, what is grief but love persevering.

Making "Hamnet" reminded us that grief is, um, inevitable part of life.

And yet the more we can allow ourselves to -- to feel the depth of our grief... ...the greater our capacity to love and to have compassion, growth.

It's a really beautiful paradox but incredibly, incredibly hard, as many of you know.

So when it's really difficult to feel our grief, we, um -- that's when we reach out for poetry, and that's with -- when we reach out for art, and that's when we reach out for storytelling and for each other, for community.

So thank you for gathering tonight and for feeling so bravely and for loving so deeply.

Good night.

Thank you.

[ Applause ] ♪ -Congratulations to all of our winners.

We thank you for giving us the shared experience of being transported by stories that enrich our culture and our lives.

And thanks to all of you at home for supporting these wonderful movies and gripping TV shows.

You inspire all of us and make it possible for grownup storytelling to exist when we need it most.

Until we meet again, good night.

[ Applause ] ♪ ♪ ♪ -To find out more about this and other "Great Performances" programs, visit pbs.org/greatperformances and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪