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Some viewers were shocked at Heath Ledger’s apparent gay spoof at the Screen Actors Guild Awards Sunday night.
At the podium with Jake Gyllenhaal to introduce a clip from "Brokeback Mountain," Ledger kept putting his hands on his cocked hip as he read the teleprompter, acting like he was auditioning for the role of Carmen Ghia, the flamboyantly gay choreographer in “The Producers.”
“It was insulting,” said one Hollywood insider after the show. “Heath lost a lot of support from the Hollywood gay community after that bizarre performance.”
No one can figure out what Ledger could have been thinking or why he behaved so bizarrely onstage.
Which makes it a real shame that the Directors Guild Awards, held the night before, weren’t televised. Then viewers would have seen Ledger’s heartfelt and sincere expression of gratitude to director Ang Lee, who won the DGA’s top filmmaker award that night.
Paying tribute to Lee, Ledger thanked the director for “introducing us to these delicate characters. It took a delicate man to tell this story and that’s you.” To which, Lee then joked, “I don’t know about you, but that feels a little gay to me.”
Maybe Ledger’s frankly fey SAG performance simply followed Lee’s DGA gay joke lead? Maybe he thought he was being really funny? Hey, it’s a theory. What's yours?
Photo Credit: Onstage at the SAG awards with Jake Gyllenhaal, Heath Ledger's bizarre gay-mocking performance gets no awards or laughs.
(Michael Caulfield/WireImage)
I thought it was hilarious. After finding the footage on YouTube, I watched it several times and laughed every time. There is something funny about the formality and self-importance of such awards nights, they are almost asking for something like this to happen. Heath's irrespressible giggling was a highlight for me, and a small reminder that actors and celebrities are human beings like the rest of us.
Posted by: Bertie | June 14, 2007 at 09:03 AM
people interpret the ending window scene with a thousand meanings. so we can interpret the hand on his hip with a thousand meanings too. does he try to be no so nervous, be cool, be humorous, or ill will to homosexuality....., what motivates him to put down his role he had tried so hard to portray? maybe some people are supersensitive from the old wound. however just remember they are just talent actors, not experts of public relations in society.
Posted by: Janet | June 11, 2007 at 11:24 PM
people interpret the ending window scene with a thousand meanings. so we can interpret the hand on his hip with a thousand meanings too. does he try to be no so nervous, be cool, be humorous, or ill will to homosexuality....., what motivates him to put down his role he had tried so hard to portray? maybe some people are supersensitive from the old wound. however just remember they are just talent actors, not experts of public relations in society.
Posted by: Janet | June 11, 2007 at 11:23 PM
Oh good lord, why are we so damn sensitive? I'm queer as a coot myself and love nothing more than to outrage politically correct gays with my large selection of very nasty DYKE JOKES. Just stop being so precious PLEASE!
Posted by: Natalija Hansova | March 01, 2007 at 10:45 AM
I'm sorry... what's the issue? A respected, straight Hollywood star who plays a part in an acclaimed gay film by an acclaimed director can't make a gay joke? Isn't Heath an honorary member after Brokeback Mountain? Besides, an actor can't make a joke - period? Come on, folks - where's your sense of self-deprecating humor? Are all members of the gay community supposed to be offended? If so, I may have to rrelinquish my member's card.
Posted by: Rodney | March 01, 2006 at 07:36 PM
He was just nervous to present the movie through a text, not of his own and a bit laughable to read in front of such an audience ( and it was ) . His shyness explain his physical attitude; which , in my perception, has nothing to do with any disrespect towards gays. it's so obvious ! I hope the Gay American Community will see and remember the only important thing: He did a great job in this movie and show a gay character in a way that was never done before ( as well as Jake Gyllenhaal ) ; that is with no mockery and such an emotion ( his acting takes you in tripes ) . And for so many people in the world, especially gays ( as i am ) but not only; they can identify with. I hope this non-event, will not prevent him from getting the Oscar he deserves for this performance.
Daniel ( France )
Posted by: Daniel | February 22, 2006 at 03:33 PM
Heath Ledger took on a role that most actors would have pass. There are undeniably some risks as to how the general public would view the film and the actor. It is a role that is hard to portray with right amount of realism and he did a fantastic job. He was brave.
If there is anyone that has displayed sensitivity and an open mind, it's definitely Heath. His portrayal of the role, opened the eyes and hearts of many people and changed dramatically the views people have on gays , of love and sacrifice.
t isn't easy to be up on stage with all that attention BM has garnered. I think what's in the heart that counts.
Posted by: Boo | February 20, 2006 at 10:19 PM
Guys, guys, he has issued a statement saying he is in the habit of standing like a tea-cup (yes!)when he is nervous. so, let's give him a little leeway here! I take my words back.
It can be argued that he shoulda been more careful what with the promotion of a movie that shifts definitions. but I think no one man can carry the weight of a revolution on his shoulders. if the movie is good, it will convert some (to liberal attitudes, i mean).
in any case, it's bombastic to call one fim revolutionary. by that account, we shouldn't even be discussing gay rights today, because we have had so many supposedly pioneering films in the past.
Posted by: Vikram | February 05, 2006 at 11:02 PM
Everyone who has seen that boy in any of his interviews know he can't stand still, he's very fidgety and nervous, which makes me feel that he must have had a hard tiome standing always so quiet as Ennis in Brokeback.
He already explained he didn't know he was going to introduce the movie with Jake, so he hadn't rehearsed his part and was very nervous.
What I think is funny and if you see the video you'll notice, is that Jake was having a lot of fun teasing Heath. When Heath starts talking, you can see Jake poking him playfully with his elbow (it's very subtle, but if you watch closely, you can see it). Heath just looks at him, Jake turns to him smiling innocently and they both look nervously amused.
Posted by: Geaderkein | February 04, 2006 at 08:06 AM
I think the fault is in having the actors having to introduce their own movies during the ceremony. I myself felt very uncomfortable listening to the introductions by the actors of all the other movies praising the movie they are in.
Posted by: Sal Rada | February 04, 2006 at 06:51 AM
I have been bothered by his behavior since Sunday. I have never in any of his interviews heard hims say or seen him do anything offensive, and I still can't believe he was mocking the stereotypical gay pose, though that is certianly what it looked like. I even watched it several times, and saw him look for his pocket and not find it, and then place his hand on his hip by default, so maybe he didn't really realize how it would come across. He seemed nervous, and bemused at the length of the introduction to the movie, so many words to describe a man that barely spoke, spoken by the actor who played that silent man... I could see the ironic humor in that. I don't want to think he was really being mocking. Still, I found his behavior a little immature given the circumstances.
Posted by: Lidia | February 02, 2006 at 10:17 AM
I was initially offended by the antics of mostly Heath with Jake kind of standing nervously by. It was a very bizarre couple of minutes, but these two should be judged for their whole body of interviews and comments, not just an isolated event. Problems with the teleprompter throughout the show confused several of the seasoned presenters and may have exaggerated the situation. I also suspect they are not quite at ease in live or unscripted situations. In most of the talk show appearances they have come off a little uncomfortable.
These are young actors, still early in their careers (I mean, Bubble Boy was only four years ago) who have been thrust unexpectedly into a mega-publicity circus to pretty much carry the entire promotional load of this tiny movie that has become huge. With every gay defamation group, every "family values" group, and a whole lot of media vultures scrutinizing every word and expression, they have answered ad nauseum questions about The Kiss, The Sex, what it is like for two straight actors to make out with one another. Over and over and over. They have endured the massive onslaught of BBM jokes. Somehow, they always seem to bring an interview back to the story's messages. These guys who are not gay, who do not have any experiences to know what it is like to hide and lie in varying degrees every single day have been great in conveying acceptance for all, speaking against labels, and stating time and again the main message of the movie - that anyone should be free to fall in love with whomever they choose without society or culture trying to screw it up.
Ultimately however, they nailed the characters, they had the chemistry, they gave an amazingly complex performance. They brought people into the theatre to see another point of view, and who knows, they may have even changed one or two minds for the better. And there are no two actors who could have done it better.
I say give them a break. So they are a little rough around the social edges, they will smooth out with time and a few more successes. But if Jake wins his supporting actor Oscar and wants to spoof gay by giving Heath a big old hard juicy Brokeback kiss, it'll be fine by me.
Posted by: Ben in Tallahassee | February 01, 2006 at 10:40 PM
I too was amazed at Ledger's bizarre presentation. Way over the top. Was he high from something? Or just maladroit? Gyllenhaal seemed, I thought (hoped), somewhat dismayed by it all, and tried at the end to get back on track, but without much success. If Ledger doesn't get his Oscar, I can well believe his super strange antics are a lot of the reason.
Posted by: hal | February 01, 2006 at 07:47 PM
have you ever seen Jake on Leno or Oprah? he is so nervous and fidgety he can't sit still. He
pulls at his clothes,face,hands. i have wondered how he could settle down long enough to film a scene. By the way,Heath,Jake, and Brokeback Mountain are my favorites.
p.s. i am a 60 y.o. grandma
Posted by: patricia small | February 01, 2006 at 02:37 PM
Isn't it funny.. I placed a comment in yesterday... must have been to off base for ms. snead.
you're acting like george w... ms. snead
Posted by: Larry Scantland | February 01, 2006 at 11:49 AM
Heath was obviously nervous and shy, and did not know where to put his hands. Any intelligent person would understand that he wasn't mocking the movie but reading out poorly scripted text. It was, in fact, quite a highlight of the night and quite hilarious. His work in Brokeback was one of the most remarkable and stunnign work done by an actor ever, he would not be making fun of that. He has just suddenly found himself in the centre of all that unwanted attention.
Posted by: Sheryl | February 01, 2006 at 08:58 AM
I think what I find insulting is that just because Heath has played a gay role, he is now elevated to some gay representative status. Why must he now be the spokesperson for all that is or isn't gay? And why must him putting his hands on his hips now become the de facto gay insult. That's like saying a white man who portrays a black person can now no longer listen to rap music ( a black stereotype) and if he does then he's very clearly insulting all black folks the way he bobs his head to the music.
Posted by: SJ | February 01, 2006 at 06:03 AM
I dunno, that sure kills some of the charm of the movie, considering that the main actor is up for such spoofs. who cares about his intentions as long as the act gives out the wrong signals?
Posted by: Vikram | January 31, 2006 at 10:01 PM
unless i've seriously misdjudged heath ledger, he was just being silly
Posted by: jamie | January 31, 2006 at 07:46 PM
Ooof! "Insulting" performance...people were "shocked"?
That's a bit sanctimonious, isn't it?
Perhaps Ledger flirted with poor taste, but one spot of playful letting off steam in public after countless doggedly excellent interviews, repeatedly answering the same questions - frequently much more personal questions than the average actor has to endure during promotion - surely deserves an indulgent pass?
Posted by: Jody Tresidder | January 31, 2006 at 02:31 PM
I didn't interpret that as mocking gays. It seems to me that Heath Ledger is a very shy person and often feels awkward in public (for example, on Leno show). I thought that he was just being nervous and didn't know where to put his hands.
Posted by: observer | January 31, 2006 at 02:22 PM
I think some people are definitely misinterpreting things in Heath's performance at the SAG. I as a gay man haven't seen any of gay spoof in it. I guess he was just nervous and didn't know what to do with his hands.Heath is like that, just watch his appearance on Jay Leno.And this link to Carmen Ghia, what's that? Did this article write a Producers Fan? So then they should more focus on Nathan Lane's missbehaviour on several occasions in TV. That's what disgusts me as a gay man! Just because he's a f.... doesn't give him the right to make all the bad fun about Brokeback Mountain!!
Posted by: Basquale | January 31, 2006 at 10:43 AM
I think Heath was nervous (and may have even had a bit much to drink). I do not think he was trying to spoof anyone. Over the past year, he has repeatedly stated his belief that people should not be judged for whom or how they choose to love, he's shared that his uncle is gay and that he's proud of him-- and his performance in Brokeback Mountain was gut-wrenching and wonderful. Anyone thinking that an 'arm on hip' gesture is 'gaylike' is also making a judgment call they shouldn't be making in my opinion. It never crossed my mind -- until I read it here.
Let's face it: Jake is smooth, cool, sweet and really professional--he's been bred that way in the Hollywood Hills. Heath's background is a lot different and I think he's more of the nervous, skittish type. Give him a break. Heath may not be as smooth and polished (nor as hot and gorgeous as Jakey) -- but Heath seems like a nice enough guy that shouldn't be lambasted for an awkward appearance.
More on Jake: He gave a heart-wrenching, aching, spectacular performance in Brokeback Mountain. As for the SAG awards 'BM Introduction,' I did feel a little uneasy for Jakey up there trying to hold it altogether and be serious and respectful while Heath was so nervously giggling and reading the script so poorly. But --hey it's live TV-- and you've got to love Jake even more for his responses. Up there in front of that packed house of A-list celebrities and millions of TV viewers, Jake is trying not to laugh, to be cool (and he is!), making all kinds of sweet, hot, divine! facial and eye expressions (that come so naturally to him) at Heath. He was absolutely adorable and drove me wild. I thought it was hilarious how the two 'boys' flubbed it up, and livened the show up a bit.
Congratulations for both of them and Brokeback Mountain being nominated for Oscars. In my opinion, BM should win all 8 of them!
Posted by: Lynn | January 31, 2006 at 10:29 AM
Yes, I firmly agree with you about Heath Ledger's somewhat off-the-wall homophobic attitude in the movie as well as at the SAG Awards. It is a shame that an actor whose extensive cinema career spans far beyond what we call acting can't deal with his inner feminine side. Take Jake Gyllenhaal for instance...I feel that he truly played his role with pristine brilliance and flair. I think that the Oscar Best Actor nomination should have gone to Jake and not Heath, for Heath needs to grow up and be a real man of the new millennium like his fellow on-screen lover...Jake.
Posted by: Mark Edward Thomas Piotrowski | January 31, 2006 at 09:19 AM
Yes Heath's actions at the SAG's was a little shocking, but remember they had been siiting there awhile drinking who knows. I wish we could have seen his speech at the DGA the night before. I'm a gay man and I know I was shocked but I forgive him because I've heard he has a gay uncle that he loves and adores. By the way the uncle is a jock and a kick boxer so there.
Posted by: Bryan | January 31, 2006 at 09:05 AM