The controversy surrounding the 2024 People’s Choice Award has reached a fever pitch with the inclusion of Rachel Zegler’s name among the award winners. Zegler, who secured the Action Movie Star of the Year award, has found herself at the center of a storm of criticism and disappointment from fans and industry observers alike.
Many were quick to express their dismay not only at Zegler’s victory but also at the perceived snubbing of Hollywood heavyweights Tom Cruise and Keanu Reeves.
The continued absence of recognition for Cruise and Reeves, despite their undeniable contributions to the industry, has only served to compound the frustration felt by many. In the aftermath of the awards ceremony, discussions continued to swirl regarding the criteria used to determine winners and the transparency of the selection process.
Keanu Reeves and Tom Cruise Define a New Era in Hollywood
Keanu Reeves and Tom Cruise stand as the titans of action in Hollywood, their names synonymous with adrenaline-pumping thrills and jaw-dropping stunts that captivate audiences worldwide. In 2023, these icons graced the silver screen with their unparalleled charisma and prowess in two of the most highly anticipated action blockbusters: Mission Impossible 7 and John Wick 4.
In every John Wick movie, Reeves reprised his role as the enigmatic assassin, showcasing his unparalleled skill in seamlessly blending martial arts with firearms combat. In John Wick 4‘s standout moment, John Wick tumbles down multiple flights of stairs, which is a testament to Reeves’ dedication to his craft.
Director Chad Stahelski pushed the boundaries of action cinema by choreographing a breathtaking sequence. In that shot Reeves climbed and fell down the 222 steps of Paris’ Sacré-Coeur Basilica, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats.
Meanwhile, Cruise delivered yet another adrenaline-fueled performance in Mission Impossible 7. One scene, in particular, left audiences in awe as Cruise’s character rode a motorcycle off a cliff, seamlessly transitioning the fall into a daring base jump.
The sheer audacity of the stunt, coupled with Cruise’s unwavering dedication to performing his stunts, elevated Mission Impossible 7 to new heights of cinematic spectacle.
These two blockbuster hits not only showcased the unparalleled talents of Reeves and Cruise but also raised the bar for action cinema. Tom Cruise and Keanu Reeves set a new standard for heart-pounding thrills and awe-inspiring stunts that will be remembered for years to come.
Rachel Zegler’s Surprise Win Leaves Action Icons Reeves and Cruise in the Shadows
Despite delivering breathtaking performances, Keanu Reeves and Tom Cruise found themselves overshadowed by Rachel Zegler at the People’s Choice Awards. Zegler’s victory as the Action Movie Star of the Year was based on her role in The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, a film that also clinched the title of Action Movie of the Year.
However, her surprising win failed to garner praise from action enthusiasts, who were left dismayed by the outcome, especially considering the presence of Reeves and Cruise in the nominee list. The result left the audience in disbelief as the People’s Choice Awards rely on fan voting to determine winners.
Keanu Reeves fell down 50 flights of steps and Tom Cruise drove a motorbike off a cliff though https://t.co/FswQW8IEEZ
— Heavy Spoilers (@heavyspoilers) February 19, 2024
LOL. If things were real, Tom Cruise would win this every single year he releases a movie.
— TheLastDon (@TheLastDon222) February 19, 2024
Maybe they think she is the "Star" ✨
While Tom Cruise and Keanu Reeves are just the "Stunt Doubles"…literally! 🤕🏆— Say My Name (@Name__Error_404) February 19, 2024
I enjoyed her movie but I’m shocked Keanu didn’t win that award especially if it was people voting for it.
— Drew Allendorfer (@DrewAllendorfer) February 19, 2024
They need an award, just to say "Rachel Zegler, winner of the PCA, is gonna star in…"
Nothing else. We all know the game is rigged.
— Zanzoltan (@Zanzoltan) February 19, 2024
Zegler’s triumph came amidst stiff competition, with nominees including her The Hunger Games co-star Viola Davis, as well as industry heavyweights like Tom Cruise for Mission: Impossible 7.
The nomination list further includes Gal Gadot for Heart of Stone, Brie Larson for The Marvels, Jason Momoa for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, Chris Pratt for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, and Keanu Reeves for John Wick: Chapter 4.
Despite her victory in one category, Zegler also contended for Female Movie Star of the Year, where she ultimately lost to Margot Robbie for her role in Barbie. The outcome of the awards ceremony left fans expressing their disappointment over Zegler’s win, highlighting the undeniable impact and recognition Reeves and Cruise command within the action genre.
