The 63-year-old actor, director, and producer received the award for an outstanding career, but concluded his acceptance speech with an unexpected shift toward politics and events in Washington that followed a shooting during a dinner of the White House Correspondents’ Association.

Clooney said he could not ignore what is happening in the country, especially in light of recent tragic events. He emphasized that he stands against violence and hatred, regardless of political views.

“I cannot be here on a night like this and simply ignore everything that is happening in the world,” he said. “I do not agree with everything this administration represents, but for the kind of violence we saw two days ago in Washington, there is no place. And there is no place for violence in Minnesota and elsewhere,” Clooney added. The actor also noted that society is experiencing deep political and social tension.

“It seems to me that there is a struggle underway that must be won — a struggle against hatred, corruption, cruelty, and violence. This is a fight for the very soul of this republic,” he said.

According to him, the only way forward is unity. “The question is what we, as citizens of this great country, must do. And in that answer — left, right, and center — we can build a more perfect union, heal our wounds, and truly begin to make America great again,” Clooney said, referencing the well-known political slogan.

He also quoted legendary journalist Edward R. Murrow, whose words were featured in his production of Good Night, and Good Luck: “We will not walk in fear, one of another. We will not be driven by fear into an age of unreason… We are not descended from fearful men who feared to write, speak, associate, and defend unpopular ideas,” he said.