Samuel L. Jackson Marvelously Reacts to "Bad Viral Face" at Tony Awards 2023

Samuel L. Jackson's response to going viral is nothing short of incredible.

In case you've been MIA from the internet, the 74-year-old had social media abuzz during the 2023 Tony Awards after his deadpan reaction to losing an award made the rounds. And as the Incredibles actor recently quipped, he isn't quite ready to become a meme anytime soon.

"I already have a bad viral face from the Tonys," he exclusively told E! News at a screening for Secret Invasion June 13. "You know, I'm that guy. They're always looking at me. I don't even know if that was even the moment that they say it was. My face changes from time to time."

As Samuel—who lost out to Leopoldstadt star Brandon Uranowitz for Best Featured Actor in a Play—explained, his best guess is that he gave a reassuring nod after hearing the winner, instead of the perceived scowl. (For more with Samuel, check out E! News tonight, June 14 at 11 p.m.)

This year's Tony nod marked the actor's first ever nomination for his role in The Piano Lesson. And though fans noted that he kept a subdued expression when his fellow nominee was called, the Shaft star did give a round of applause for Brandon's win.

Not to mention, the Pulp Fiction alum—who attended the award ceremony with wife Latanya Richardson Jackson—also poked fun at the situation almost immediately afterwards. In fact, when he hit the stage to present the award for Best Play, he introduced himself as none other than "Samuel L. 'It's an honor to be nominated' Jackson."

Check out Secret Invasion when it releases exclusively on Disney+ on Wednesday, June 21st.

—Reporting by Adam Havener

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