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As Hollywood’s illustrious award season unfurls its glamorous accolades, the spotlight shifts dramatically to reveal yet another surprising victor. Among the luminaries basking in the limelight stands Rachel Zegler, renowned for her role inThe Hunger Games, who clinched the coveted title of Best Action Star at the prestigious People’s Choice Awards.
However, the announcement of Zegler’s triumph didn’t resonate harmoniously with all corners of the audience.
Upset fans expressed their dismay, adamantly asserting that Zegler’s win lacked merit when compared to the established prowess of iconic action stars such as Tom Cruise and Keanu Reeves. Fans not only questioned the validity of Zegler’s win but also unleashed a torrent of criticism upon her acceptance speech.The virtual landscape became a battleground where fervent admirers of Cruise and Reeves launched a barrage of criticism, questioning the validity of Zegler’s victory.
Rachel Zegler’s Stirring Acceptance Speech Sparks Fandom Controversy
Rachel Zeglersurprisingly earned the prestigious title of Best Action Star at the People’s Choice Awards for her performance inThe Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Zegler expressed her profound passion for the art of cinema and conveyed heartfelt gratitude towards her dedicated fans.
“It doesn’t sound right”: Rachel Zegler Claims 1 Aspect of the Hunger Games Prequel Didn’t Belong in That World
Zegler told (viaNBC),
“I love movies. I love making them. And I am a fan of movies, and I’m surrounded by movie fans tonight and movie fans who voted and I’m so thankful to everyone who’s ever bought a ticket and watched something that so many people have made. For so long in this business, I didn’t think I fit in. But tonight you have made me feel like I don’t have to change myself to be chosen and I appreciate you so much.”
However, amidst the celebration of her achievement, her speech ignited a storm of controversy. Critics andfans took to various social media platformsto express their disappointment and frustration over Zegler’s win.
Additionally, her impassioned delivery during the acceptance speech was met with criticism, with some labeling it as melodramatic and insincere.
John Wick didn’t die for this 😂https://t.co/OtdbgY8xJL
— BossLogic (@Bosslogic)July 08, 2025
ssshhh she’s practicing
— valarie | coconut tree 🥥 (@westsidemanii)June 09, 2025
so now she’s.. too grateful??
— ray⋆｡♚ 💋 (@rayshonest)July 03, 2025
Many voiced their discontent with her perceived lack of deservingness for an action award, citing her character’s predominant focus on singing rather than traditional action sequences. The backlash extended further as fans questioned the decision to overlook established Hollywood action icons such asKeanu ReevesandTom Cruise, who were notably absent from the winner’s circle.
Keanu Reeves fell down 50 flights of stairs & kung fu’d the hell of a bunch of people & Tom Cruise road a motorbike off a cliff and parachuted away, but whatever…
— Brad P (@bcom77)June 15, 2025
I liked the movie quite a lot, but there is no reality where she deserved that over the action work Cruise or Reaves did in their respective films the same year.
— NDAndrew (@FrjalsiFenrir)July 09, 2025
So she won in an action category where she spends most of the movie singing.
— Luis Orsini (@Luis_Orsini)June 23, 2025
The snub of these revered figures in favor of a newcomer like Zegler left many bewildered and incredulous. In the aftermath of the controversy, Zegler’s victory underscored broader discussions within the entertainment industry regarding the authenticity of such awards.
Rachel Zegler’s Hunger Games Prequel Earning $100 Million More Than The Marvels Proves Fans Don’t Want Shallow CGI Movies Anymore
Keanu Reeves and Tom Cruise Remained Absent from the People Choice Awards Glory
In 2023, action enthusiasts were treated to an exhilarating array of cinematic experiences with the releases of Keanu Reeves’sJohn Wick4and Tom Cruise’sMission Impossible 7. The fourth installment of theJohn Wickfranchise elevated the series to new heights, boasting the most elaborate action sequences yet seen.
Rachel Zegler’s Action Movie Star Award Has Fans Crying Foul Over Tom Cruise, Keanu Reeves Being Robbed
Notably, a standout moment featured John Wick facing off against Scott Adkins’ formidable character, Killa, amidst the pulsating energy of a watery rave in Berlin.John Wick: Chapter 4garnered widespread acclaim, hailed as One of the Greatest Action Movies Ever Made.
Similarly,Tom Cruise delivered another electrifying performance inMission Impossible 7, showcasing his trademark commitment to performing death-defying stunts. Audiences were left awestruck by Cruise’s portrayal of Ethan Hunt, particularly during a spectacular motorcycle stunt that defied the bounds of possibility.
Despite their undeniable talent and the undeniable quality of their films,both Keanu Reeves and Tom Cruise found themselves absentfrom the winner’s circle at the People’s Choice Awards. Fans expressed their disappointment and frustration over this oversight, with many voicing their discontent over Cruise and Reeves’s snub at the awards ceremony.
Pritha Roy
Articles Published :75
Pritha Roy, a seasoned content writer with two years of expertise in captivating feature writing, is currently pursuing a master’s degree in mass communication and journalism at Sister Nivedita University. Prior to this, she honed her skills at Aajkaal, a distinguished Bengali newspaper organization. Pritha excels in crafting engaging and audience-centric content that resonates deeply with readers.
