Even if you make it as an A-list actor, receiving an Academy Award is no mean feat - just ask Leonardo DiCaprio. So when Adam Sandler was 'snubbed' by the 2020 Oscars for his role as devious jeweler Howard Ratner in Uncut Gems, he didn't let it get him down.
While attending the Independent Spirit Awards this Saturday (8 February), the comedy actor bagged the accolade for Best Male Lead and decided to use his speech to address the so-called snub.
During the event, Sandler was invited to the stage where he poked fun at his omission from this year's Academy Awards by comparing it to a looks vs personality contest.
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As he took over the mic, the actor went straight into character, telling the crowds in his best Waterboy voice: "Hello my name is Adam Sandler... I stand before you trembling with glee as I receive your so-called best actor trophy, independently speaking, of course."
He went on to say: "You know, a few weeks back when I was, quote unquote, snubbed by the Academy, it reminded me of when I briefly attended high school and was overlooked for the coveted yearbook superlative category 'best looking'.
"That accolade was given to a jean jacket wearing, feather-haired douchebag by the name of Skipper Jenkins."
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After joking that he was instead given the award for 'best personality', Sandler declared: "The Independent Spirit Awards are the 'best personality' awards of Hollywood.
"Let all those feather-haired mother-f***ers get their Oscars tomorrow night. Their handsome good looks will fade in time. Our independent personalities will shine on forever!"
Sandler also poked fun at his own pitfalls over his long-running career, noting his role in Funny People 11 years ago was 'the last time critics pretended not to hate me for five f***ing minutes'.
Although Sandler has been lambasted by critics, in particular for his comedy blockbusters like Happy Gilmore and Little Nicky, the actor has tried his hand at some more serious roles over the years too.
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That includes a part in Paul Thomas Anderson's Punch-Drunk Love, Noah Baumbach's The Meyerowitz Stories and most recently with Uncut Gems.
So he might not have bagged himself one of Hollywood's gold stamps of approval, but an Indie Spirit award certainly shows that he's capable of nailing more serious roles.
Although his speech proves that no matter what, he'll still have a soft spot for Bobby Boucher, Happy Gilmore, Billy Madison et al.
Featured Image Credit: Independent Spirit AwardsTopics: Adam Sandler, TV and Film, US Entertainment, Oscars