At the 2022 Directors Guild of America Awards, Judd Apatow stepped onto the stage for his fourth time as host, ready to deliver a monologue that would both entertain and ignite debate.
This year, his target was none other than Hollywood icon Tom Cruise.
While many in the audience enjoyed the humor, others felt that some of Judd’s jabs crossed the line.
Judd kicked off his roast with a playful dig at Cruise’s height, humorously suggesting that the actor might need a stack of phonebooks to reach the controls during his high-flying stunts in “Top Gun: Maverick.”
The crowd erupted in laughter as he continued to poke fun at Cruise’s stature, claiming that the actor jumps off tall buildings to compensate for being shorter than most.
But the jokes didn’t stop there.
Judd also took aim at Cruise’s age, questioning why the actor insists on performing such perilous stunts.
He cheekily advised Cruise to consider using CGI effects instead, implying that modern technology could save him from risking life and limb.
It was a lighthearted suggestion that resonated with some, while others viewed it as a bit too harsh.
Adding another layer to the roast, Judd made references to Cruise’s long-standing affiliation with Scientology, a topic that has often been contentious.
He humorously insinuated that Cruise’s daring escapades were akin to promotional material for the controversial religion, raising eyebrows among viewers familiar with the actor’s beliefs.
Reactions to Judd’s monologue were mixed.
Fans of Tom Cruise were quick to voice their displeasure, arguing that making fun of the actor’s physical attributes, age, and personal beliefs was inappropriate.
They felt that Judd had overstepped his bounds, crossing into territory that should remain off-limits in comedy.
Conversely, there were those who found Judd’s performance to be uproariously funny.
Supporters praised him for his fearless approach to roasting one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
In an industry known for its good-natured ribbing, many felt this was just another example of the playful banter that awards shows are famous for.
Historically, celebrity roasts have been a staple of Hollywood culture, with many stars enduring similar treatment during awards ceremonies.
From the likes of Bob Hope to Ricky Gervais, the tradition of poking fun at the elite has been a long-standing practice, highlighting the camaraderie and humor that exists within the industry.
Despite the backlash, it seemed that Judd’s comments did little to ruffle Tom Cruise’s feathers.
The actor, known for his ability to take jokes in stride, has not publicly addressed the roast.
This silence suggests that he may not be overly concerned with the quips made at his expense.
Cruise has built a reputation for being able to laugh at himself, having faced countless jokes throughout his illustrious career.
