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“It’s weird to be here, man, because I can’t help but think of my school cotillion, which was held in this very room,” said Hollywood native Jeff Bridges, looking around the main ballroom Monday at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Los Angeles.
While Bridges reflected on old memories of the historic ballroom, new ones were being made by winners of the 16th annual Movies for Grownups Awards.
Collecting his best supporting actor award for Hell or High Water, the 67-year-old star was among more than 350 guests who celebrated the 2016 movies that most appealed to a grownup audience.
Even current Oscar nominee Justin Timberlake, 36, on hand to honor Eight Days a Week, a documentary about the Beatles’ touring years, seemed overwhelmed by the assemblage of Hollywood royalty.
“I look around this room and I see a ton of my idols,” said the singer-actor,who was nominated for an Academy Award in the best original song category. “And I also think to myself: You’re probably saying, ‘What Justin is that?’ It’s Timberlake. Justin Timberlake!”
Another current Oscar nominee, Ruth Negga, accepted the best movie for grownups award on behalf of Loving, based on the true story of the Virginia couple whose interracial marriage landed them before the U.S. Supreme Court.
“They were pioneers," N egga said . “They fought for love.”
Hot in Cleveland star Wendie Malick, who presented the best grownup love story award to The Hollars, starring Margo Martindale and Richard Jenkins, reflected on the perspective that comes with years of experience.
“Actors not only get better with age, but they also become more humble,” she observed. “You acknowledge, ‘OK, I’m in my third act now,’ and that helps you realize this is go time: I’d better spend my time doing things I love with the people I love.”
Martindale, who also hosted the evening, agreed.