Colin Farrell’s 2025 SAG Awards Speech: What Did He Say That Stole the Show?

On February 23, 2025, Colin Farrell took the stage at the 31st Annual Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards to accept the award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series for his transformative role as Oswald "Oz" Cobblepot in HBO's The Penguin. What followed was a heartfelt, hilarious, and deeply personal acceptance speech that had the audience laughing, cheering, and tearing up all at once.

From playful jabs at Jamie Lee Curtis and Brendan Gleeson to tender tributes to his family, Farrell’s words resonated far beyond the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. Here’s everything you need to know about what he said and why it’s still making waves.

What Hilarious Moment Kicked Off Colin Farrell’s SAG Awards Speech?

Farrell’s speech started with a bang—and a laugh. Presenter Jamie Lee Curtis set the tone by jokingly announcing, “And the Actor goes to… the man who gave me COVID at the Golden Globes: Colin Farrell.” The crowd erupted, and Farrell didn’t miss a beat. “Guilty as charged!” he quipped as he hugged Curtis, before adding a cheeky twist: “But Brendan Gleeson f***ing gave it to me, so I was just spreading the love.”

The playful exchange referenced the 2023 Golden Globes, where Farrell, Gleeson, and Curtis all caught COVID, a moment that clearly bonded them. This lighthearted opening showcased Farrell’s charm and quick wit, setting the stage for a speech that balanced humor with heart.

How Did Colin Farrell Honor His Family in His 2025 SAG Speech?

Beyond the laughs, Farrell’s speech took a touching turn as he gave shoutouts to his family, particularly his siblings and sons. He thanked his sister Claudine, a producer he’s worked with for 22 years, noting, “I never thank her publicly, but Claudine Farrell, I haven’t noted that she’s not my assistant—she’s family.”

He also praised his sister Catherine, the first actor in the family, and his brother Eamon, who texted him about watching the live Netflix broadcast in his pajamas. But the emotional peak came when he addressed his sons, James and Henry: “The two people in my life who have made my life so much more special and so much more meaningful, so much more joyful than I ever truly thought possible—I love you both.” This rare glimpse into his private life as a father melted hearts everywhere.

What Did Colin Farrell Say About His Fellow Actors at the SAG Awards?

Farrell didn’t just keep it personal—he also celebrated the acting community. Reflecting on his fellow nominees—Javier Bardem, Richard Gadd, Kevin Kline, and Andrew Scott—he said, “So many of you, I grew up watching on television and in film, and so many I’ve worked with over the years and shared in the spirit of collaborative curiosity.” He added a poignant note: “We’re all supporting actors. We all support each other; that’s what we do.” This nod to the collective effort of acting struck a chord, especially as he became visibly starstruck spotting John Lithgow in the audience, a moment that added authenticity to his words.

Why Did Colin Farrell Refuse to ‘Shut Up’ During His Speech?

As the teleprompter urged him to wrap up with a “Please, shut up, Farrell,” he playfully defied it, saying, “I’m not going to shut up!” This defiance came as he insisted on finishing his thanks, particularly to his parents, Rita and Eamon, and his sons. His determination to speak his mind—even joking about the time limit—highlighted his genuine gratitude and refusal to let the moment pass without saying everything he felt. It was a classic Farrell move: unscripted, raw, and utterly endearing.

What Was the Closing Line of Colin Farrell’s SAG Awards Speech?

Farrell wrapped up his speech with a sweet, casual promise to his boys: “We’re going back to watch Shōgun tonight and finish it up.” This offhand remark about binge-watching the hit series Shōgun—which also won big that night—added a relatable, down-to-earth finish to an otherwise emotional speech. It was a perfect encapsulation of Farrell as both a celebrated actor and a dad just trying to keep up with his kids’ TV schedule.

Some Closing Thoughts:

Colin Farrell’s 2025 SAG Awards acceptance speech was more than just a victory lap for The Penguin—it was a masterclass in balancing humor, humility, and heartfelt emotion. From owning up to the COVID quip with a grin to pouring his soul into thanking his sons James and Henry, Farrell reminded us why he’s not just a talented actor but a beloved figure in Hollywood. As his words continue to trend and tug at heartstrings, one thing’s clear: this is a speech fans won’t soon forget.

Catch The Penguin on Max to see the performance that earned him this moment—and maybe join him in finishing Shōgun too.

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