Maximum Russell Crowe
Scrapbook: TV, 2001

Ridley Scott introduces Russell:

I was standing in the mud almost . . . two years ago today, Feb. 2. And the German army were on the right of me, the Roman army were on the left with all their war machines, and the valley was empty except for a little bit of mist. And striding through the mud towards me was this, ah, figure, looking every inch the general. And it was a time warp -- except for the pack of Marlboros that he had in his hand (audience laughs). And he came up to me, we stared at each other, and I could see a little insecurity in his eyes, and I was a little insecure as well. And so he said, "So, mate, what are we gonna' do then?"

And from that moment on ... cause that was Shot One ... it's always nervous when you're making movies at Shot One cause you're building this tapestry on which all you can see in front of you are weeks or months of problems, and possible bad news.

What followed for me going through this experience with this gentleman was probably one of the most rewarding experiences I've had in my career. It's a learning experience. He takes no prisoners. You get 100 percent commitment -- you get 400 percent commitment. You better be on your game every day. He's a great collaborator. He's charming and loyal. He's full of surprises, which every director always hopes for. There's nothing more wonderful than when a director gets far more than he ever expected. He's one of the best actors around today. So it's my pleasure to present (reads the card) -- it's my honor, actually (audience laughs) -- to present the Critics Choice Award for best actor to Russell Crowe.

Russell's acceptance speech:

(Playfully, in booming voice) My people! My people! Thank you! My people! (audience laughs)

You know, um, I saved a lot of time on your program last year by making some very short speeches. As it's highly unlikely that I'm gonna' win this a third time . . .

I was born at a young age.... (audience laughs, Russell giggles)

Anyway, well, bigger film, big box office, very, very long speech. (Russell takes a piece of paper from his pocket and begins to read it) Hollywood Foreign Press ... No, sorry, wrong pocket. Oops! (The audience, and Russell, laugh.)

Um, it's a great company, this DreamWorks, isn't it? Look what they're doing, in such a short amount of time. And look at the quality of work that they're putting out, and the kind of people that they're working with . . . My brother Cameron, for example (he points to director Cameron Crowe, who's no relation, of course. The audience, and director Crowe, laugh. Russell continues to joke).

We've got, look, the third eye! (pointing to his forehead) . . . Look, it's a long story, I was shipped off at a young age . . .. forget about it.

(Serious again) So to Mr. Spielberg, Mr. Geffen, and Mr. Katzenberg, I respect your dream and I do love your works.

It was an incredible cast to work with. Connie Nielsen. And my beautiful, sweet, chocolate prince, Joaquin Phoenix, who I wish was here because, you know, he's just gotta' learn that he can't hide anymore. Everybody knows. (Audience laughs) You know?

In the last little while, I've got to work with some great young film directors -- like Brett Leonard (Virtuosity) and Sam Raimi (Quick and the Dead), Jay Roach (Mystery, Alaska), Jocelyn Moorhouse (Proof) -- and some masters of the cinema, like Curtis Hanson (L.A. Confidential), and like Michael Mann (The Insider). But I'll tell you what folks, the level of mastery and the majesty created by Ridley Scott is unparalleled in my experience.

He's an incredible chap, and very laid-back in what he does, and the greatest non-confrontationist I've ever met. Hardest man to have an argument with, and the hardest man to hold a grudge . . . because he's just so far into what he does. And, this award should actually read, "For Ridley Scott's 'Gladiator.' " Thanks.