Ryan Reynolds Presents the Best Film Award to ‘Wicked’ at National Board of Review Annual Awards Gala – Video

Ryan Reynolds recently took the stage at the National Board of Review Annual Awards Gala, where he jokingly referred to Jonathan Bailey as “objectively perfect.” However, the quip didn’t land well with fans, who not only found it unfunny but were also put off by what they described as his strange tone.

Reynolds was in attendance at the gala that took place on January 7, 2025, in New York City when he was called upon to present the Best Film Award. While delivering his speech, he made a joke targeting Bailey, who stars as Prince Fiyero in “Wicked.”

“I have one note. I think we can all agree that Jonathan Bailey is objectively perfect. Perhaps too perfect. Personally, I would’ve preferred fewer scenes featuring Mr. Bailey,” he joked. Reynolds and his wife, Blake Lively, have watched “Wicked,” having attended its premiere on December 3, 2024.

Ryan Reynolds also hinted at Bailey’s performance being great in the musical. He humorously noted that while being good is commendable, being great could have its downsides. the actor told Bailey that excessively captivating an audience with charm might feel rewarding at the time but could potentially disrupt the entire industry.

The 48-year-old also highlighted Jonathan Bailey’s impressive talent, suggesting it set a new standard for Hollywood’s leading actors, whom he called, “The HLMS or Hollywood Leading Man Society.”

Reynold playfully hinted that the British actor’s standout performances set a standard difficult for others in the industry to match. “It is in our collective best interest that Jonathan Bailey tone it the f*** down,” he said, amidst audience laughter.

The “Free Guy” actor quipped that he was already putting in his maximum effort and found the idea of plastic surgery intimidating. He pleaded, “Let’s just pump the talent breaks or get out of f*** town, okay?”

The father of four also praised Bailey for being “hardworking,” “kind,” and “easy on the eyes.” Still, he warned him, “The HLMS relies on predictable mediocrity. Do not force our hand, Bailey.” While his jokes drew laughter from the audience, they received a less favorable reaction from fans online.

Some were caught off guard, with one saying, “Wow 😲 never expected that low of a joke from Ryan wow.” One fan suggested other motives might be at play, “Now he just sounds jealous 😂.” A succinct “Weird” summed up another viewer’s reaction.

The humor didn’t land for more people, with one fan saying, “Ugh. Cringe. You’re not funny.” One unimpressed commenter questioned his comedic abilities, “Has this man ever in his life said something funny? Like seriously.” A critical fan sarcastically remarked, “Oh, look! It’s Deadpool playing Ryan Reynolds for the billionth time. How new and refreshing 🙄🙄🙄.”

Other fans took issue with his speech delivery, asking, “Why this weird lispy voice the whole time? For a word or two, maybe but why the whole speech??” Others found his tone unsettling, wondering, “Why is he talking like that? It’s like a bit creepy no?”

Some found his tone insincere, declaring, “There is something so slimey about Ryan. I just hate his weird voice when he speaks. Its like it’s always fake or sarcastic [sic].” Finally, while acknowledging the humor, one person admitted discomfort, “Funny, but what’s that voice he’s doing? Makes me uncomfortable.”

Aside from the joke focusing on Bailey, Reynold’s speech also centered on “Wicked’s” major leads, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. He noted that the musical centers on “two powerful women,” and their complex stories.

He also commended Grande for the way he brought to life her character Glenda the Good Witch, “Ariana Grande, your comedic athleticism and charm is never at the cost of emotional stakes. I have watched your performance over and over again and I have learned from you each and every time.”

Grande later thanked Reynolds for his touching words, writing on her Instagram stories, “YOU REALLLY MOVED ME @vancityreynolds CLEARLY LOL. Thank you for the kindest and most generous words last night am so serious they meant so much and I appreciate you!!!!!! [sic].”

The movie star’s praises also touched on Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba in the musical. Reynolds noted that Erivo makes “vulnerability show up as courage,” while also making “the hardest work appear as effortlessness.” He added, “Cynthia, what you do in this film and in all your work is a recipe of mischief, humanity, and tender grit.

Reynolds continued commending Erivo, “You should be given all the Michelin stars because this is the product of a Master Chef. When you perform it feels as if there is literally nobody else on Earth who could do what it is that you do and what you’re doing in this film is extremely hard. But you make it look like a moment’s thought because that is what a movie star does.”

The actor also praised the film’s writers, producer, Marc Platt, and director, John Chu, for bringing the masterpiece musical to the big screen in a phenomenal way. He thanked everyone who worked on the musical as he gave them the well-earned Best Film Award from the National Board of Review Annual Awards.