Actor and writer Adam Sandler gave a NSFW acceptance speech after receiving a coveted award at the People's Choice Awards ceremony on February 18.
Sandler's Murder Mystery co-star Jennifer Anniston lovingly presented him with the People's Icon Award for his memorable comedic roles and Hollywood achievements as an actor, writer, and producer.
"This is going to be a little humiliating," he said after pulling out his pre-written speech.
Sandler admitted he was driving when he had a conversation with his agent on speaker phone and misheard that he won the award for "People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive."
He said:
"So I wrote a speech for that and I don't have one prepared for the Icon thing but I'm gonna do the speech that I wrote 'cause they said I gotta talk a few minutes. So let's get to it."
He began saying in his signature pirate speaking voice:
“My name is Adam Sandler and I am the sexiest man alive, can I get a hell yeah?"
The crowd went wild with rollicking laughter before Sandler continued delivering a speech they weren't ready for.
“To the People Magazine’s Academy of Hotness and Sexual Attractiveness, I would like to say thank you for recognizing me as the man who made our entire country the horniest this year."
He continued expressing gratitude for being "the most-talked-about person in the bedroom by couples or throuples during fantasy role plays and sloppy time" and asked the crowd if he could "get another hell yeah?”
You can watch the whole speech here.
He wasn't finished.
The 57-year-old continued:
“I am trying to be gracious, People Magazine, but I have to admit three words keep popping into my head right now: ‘[It's] about freaking time!’”
“For decades, Adam Sandler has been waiting patiently on the sexy bench with his legs wide open radiating sensuality, finger-lickin' desirability, and a slight hint of man-bulge tastefully displayed for his, her, or they's pleasure.”
After he acknowledged the award was "bestowed" to him, Sandler said he will proudly display it on his nightstand where it will witness "many feats of romantic gymnastics performed gently on my fine-as-hell wife 'Jackalina.'"
The camera panned over to his wife, Jackie Sandler, who was seated amongst the star-studded audience and laughing.
Sandler also addressed people constantly inquiring about what's hidden beneath his "baggy clothes."
In response, the comedian remarked:
"I ain't hiding nothing. Underneath my double-edged, loose-fitting leisure wear is pure perfection."
He highlighted examples of his physical attributes, including his abs, "don't have any," his hip bones "under there somewhere," and his nipples, "One pointing east, the other pointing south, and a third pointing at anything that would dare to look at it."
He then bragged that his "pee pee," when measured on a Pinocchio scale, was "six to twelve lies long."
While the crowd reception was uproarious, some online didn't appreciate the sarcastic speech in response to the dignified achievement.
That was a really stupid speech by #AdamSandler on #PeoplesChoiceAwards! It was just wrong for an Icon Award!— (@)
Others thought Sandler's hilarious speech was befitting of the Icon Award he was given.
@heyitsmyopinion He accepted the award proving why he\u2019s an icon. His career is based on not taking him or life seriously. It was a great funny speech. Life is about having fun. Not always being serious and just smiling through what you expect but don\u2019t get. Clearly you don\u2019t do any of that— (@)
And some fans hung on his every word and...felt things.
Sandler finished the speech with sincerity.
"I really do want to say something real to everybody," he said and thanked his industry friends for their contributions to Hollywood projects they've collaborated on and his family, including his parents, cousins, in-laws, daughters, and his "darling wife Jackie."
He told her:
"You are my partner for life. I love every car ride, every kiss we've ever had forever and ever, my girl."
In closing, Sandler acknowledged the fans and exclaimed amid cheers:
"Thank you for all the amazing times we've had together. Let's keep it going. Love you!"
On January 31, 2024, it was announced that Sandler would win the People's Icon Award on February 18.
To celebrate the honor, Jen Neal, the executive vice president of lives and specials at NBCUniversal Entertainment, which broadcasts the People's Choice Awards, praised Sandler, saying:
“Adam Sandler has been a fixture in the industry for decades, entertaining us since he got his start on 'Saturday Night Live' more than 30 years ago."
“From 'Billy Madison' to 'Mr. Deeds', his unforgettable characters have endured the test of time and left their mark on audiences for generations. We’re excited to honor him with this year’s People’s Icon Award.”
Sandler is known for many of his iconic comedic roles in films like Billy Madison (1995), The Waterboy (1998) The Wedding Singer (1998), and 50 First Dates (2004), but he has also received acclaim for his dramatic turns in films like Punch-Drunk Love (2002) and Uncut Gems (2019).
The Brooklyn native is the recipient of nine People’s Choice Awards, three Teen Choice Awards, six MTV Movie Awards, and 11 Kids’ Choice Awards.
The comedian was also nominated for three Grammy Awards, five Primetime Emmy Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
In 2023, Sandler was honored with the Kennedy Center's esteemed Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.