Lip reader reveals what Selena Gomez and Samuel L. Jackson said during that Oscars speech

Selena Gomez and Samuel L. Jackson are being criticised for having small talk on stage while the Oscar was collected for No Other Land, and a lip reader has revealed what they said to each other.

The documentary film is about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and was directed by a collective consisting of two people from Israel and two from Palestine.

While accepting the Academy Award, its four creators gave a powerful speech about the violence and displacement that’s been going on for decades, but people are saying the moment was ruined by Selena and Samuel.

After presenting the award for Best Documentary, the singer and actor stepped back and stood behind the No Other Land directors. They were then seen chatting and laughing while the speech was going on.

‘NO OTHER LAND’ filmmakers Basel Adra, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal & Yuval Abraham accepting their #Oscar:

“It reflects the harsh reality we’ve been enduring for decades, we call to stop the injustice and stop the ethnic cleansing of Palestine.” pic.twitter.com/n1xgZJPTDq

— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) March 3, 2025

Lip reader Nicola Hickling told the MailOnline it looks like Samuel turned to Selena and said: “He made that speech very political.” She then seemed to reply “He did, yes” as they both laughed.

On social media, people are slamming the pair for being extremely disrespectful during a very serious and reflective moment.

One person wrote on X: “Can I just say f*** you to Samuel L Jackson and Selena Gomez standing there looking so uncomfortable and laughing during the most important acceptance speech of this awards season.”

“The way Selena Gomez & Samuel Jackson were just laughing and having small talk during a speech about GENOCIDE is actually crazy, shows the deep lack of knowledge, respect, and empathy of Palestine. Truly despicable,” said another.

The way Selena Gomez & Samuel Jackson were just laughing and having small talk during a speech about GENOCIDE is actually crazy, shows the deep lack of knowledge, respect, and empathy of Palestine. Truly despicable. CONGRATS No Other Land #Oscars2025 #LiberatePalestine

— USA & Israel are committing genocide (@katewright38) March 3, 2025

A third person added: “Selena & Samuel L Jackson are disgusting for having small talk & giggling in the back during their speech.”

Most Read

Adolescence director breaks down the ending’s secret meaning and it’s utterly heartbreaking

This is exactly what MAFS Australia’s Ryan said about Jacqui that was so explicit it was cut

MAFS Australia 2025 bride Jacqui *finally* explains what her mysterious corporate job actually is

People are also saying it looked like the Pulp Fiction actor told her to stop clapping, although others have claimed it’s because they weren’t allowed to clap at that moment.

For all the latest news and drama and drops, quizzes and memes, like The Tab on Facebook.

Credit: 97th Academy Awards