At the exclusive Variety Palm Springs brunch, Dwayne Johnson delivered a heartfelt speech as he accepted the Creative Impact in Acting Award. The actor-turned-producer honored his fellow honorees, including Guillermo del Toro and Teyana Taylor, with whom he has collaborated on various projects.
Johnson shared a personal anecdote about meeting del Toro at the 2018 Golden Globes, where they both presented as presenters for "The Shape of Water". Del Toro won the award, and Johnson was visibly emotional as he recalled their conversation. This moment marked a turning point in their professional relationship, which has since led to collaborations on other films.
Johnson spoke about his experience playing Mark Kerr, an MMA fighter in "The Smashing Machine", highlighting its impact on his life and career. He acknowledged the role's ability to help him gain empathy for those struggling with addiction and mental health issues. Johnson stated that everyone is going through a difficult time, and this realization should unite us rather than divide us.
The actor concluded his speech by expressing gratitude to everyone who is "going through it" and encouraging them to keep fighting. His words resonated deeply with the audience, emphasizing the importance of empathy, kindness, and supporting one another in these challenging times.
Other honorees, including Teyana Taylor and Guillermo del Toro, also shared their thoughts and experiences at the event. Taylor reflected on her journey from music to acting, comparing herself to a Glade plug-in scent that needs to be used everywhere, not just in bathrooms. Del Toro emphasized the significance of transformation and the power of horror as a genre.
The Variety 10 Directors to Watch table was introduced by Peter Debruge, who explained the selection process for this year's honorees, including Dave Green and Harry Lighton, whose flight restrictions have kept them from attending the event.
Johnson shared a personal anecdote about meeting del Toro at the 2018 Golden Globes, where they both presented as presenters for "The Shape of Water". Del Toro won the award, and Johnson was visibly emotional as he recalled their conversation. This moment marked a turning point in their professional relationship, which has since led to collaborations on other films.
Johnson spoke about his experience playing Mark Kerr, an MMA fighter in "The Smashing Machine", highlighting its impact on his life and career. He acknowledged the role's ability to help him gain empathy for those struggling with addiction and mental health issues. Johnson stated that everyone is going through a difficult time, and this realization should unite us rather than divide us.
The actor concluded his speech by expressing gratitude to everyone who is "going through it" and encouraging them to keep fighting. His words resonated deeply with the audience, emphasizing the importance of empathy, kindness, and supporting one another in these challenging times.
Other honorees, including Teyana Taylor and Guillermo del Toro, also shared their thoughts and experiences at the event. Taylor reflected on her journey from music to acting, comparing herself to a Glade plug-in scent that needs to be used everywhere, not just in bathrooms. Del Toro emphasized the significance of transformation and the power of horror as a genre.
The Variety 10 Directors to Watch table was introduced by Peter Debruge, who explained the selection process for this year's honorees, including Dave Green and Harry Lighton, whose flight restrictions have kept them from attending the event.
I loved Dwayne Johnson's speech at the Variety Palm Springs brunch 
. He's so humble and down-to-earth, despite being a huge Hollywood star 
. What really touched me was how he spoke about empathy and kindness – it's so easy to forget that everyone is going through tough times, right? 
I think we can all learn from his words and try to be more supportive of each other. And I love that he highlighted the importance of collaboration in the industry – Guillermo del Toro and Teyana Taylor are such talented artists! 
It's great to see them being recognized for their work. Anyway, it sounds like an amazing event and I'm so glad Dwayne Johnson got to share his heart with everyone there 
.
just saw dwight on tv talking about his collab w/ guillermo del toro 
was really emotional when he talked about meeting him at the golden globes that's a game changer for both of them 
love how he used his platform to spread positivity and empathy about struggling with addiction and mental health issues 
. As for Teyana Taylor, her analogy about being a Glade plug-in scent was HILARIOUS 
! And Guillermo del Toro's comments about transformation and horror as a genre? Spot on, dude 
. Anyway, it's always rad to see people coming together like that... *sigh*... those were the days 
... we all go through tough times, no matter what industry or life path we're on. I mean, have you seen him in The Scorpion King? 
instead of just promoting his next movie or project. I mean don't get me wrong, he's still a total pro and all that jazz 
but it's amazing to see him connect with del toro on such a deep level - i'm sure that 2018 globes convo was LIFE CHANGING 
also can we talk about taylor being compared to glade plug-in scent? 
. It's all about embracing our true selves and not letting others dictate who we are. I'm so down for that vibe 
.
Dwayne Johnson's speech had us all feeling the feels 
"Glade plug-in scent" LMAO 
"The Smashing Machine" - that movie was INSANE 
Johnson's heart is in the right place, spreading love and kindness wherever he goes 
Can we get a mashup of his horror films and Johnson's wrestling days? 
#DwayneJohnson #GuillermoDelToro #TeyanaTaylor
and i gotta say... his words about empathy & kindness resonating with everyone is so real 
! i feel like she's speaking straight to my soul 
. and del toro's talk about transformation... it's like he's speaking of magic 
.
but by being kind, supportive, and empathetic towards one another, we can make it through this together 
- This speech by Dwayne Johnson really touched my heart. I think we can all relate to feeling like we're going through a tough time, and it's amazing how a simple conversation with someone can make a huge difference. 
. I'm not sure if I agree that everyone is going through a difficult time, though... some people seem like they're doing pretty great from where I'm sitting 
. And what's up with del Toro talking about horror as a genre? Can't he just appreciate the movies without having to analyze them like that 
, Dwayne Johnson's all smiles and rainbows now after that heartfelt speech... what's next? He'll be doing some cheesy PSA about mental health and we'll all believe it 
. Plus, those collaborations with del Toro and Taylor are just a PR stunt 
. And what's up with the "everyone's going through it" thing? How convenient that he chooses to bring that up now 
. I'm sure there's an ulterior motive behind all this 
gotta be there 4 each other 