In a hilarious mix-up that only Adam Sandler could navigate with his trademark comedic flair, the beloved actor found himself at the center of a delightful misunderstanding at the 2024 People’s Choice Awards. Accepting the prestigious People’s Icon Award, Sandler started his speech with a twist that had the audience both baffled and bursting with laughter. He opened by addressing a “little miscommunication” that led him to believe he was finally being crowned PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive—a title that, much to his mock dismay, went to Patrick Dempsey in 2023.
Sandler, with a straight face that soon cracked into his well-known playful grin, read out a speech prepared for the Sexiest Man Alive honor, not the People’s Icon Award. He humorously thanked the “PEOPLE Magazine’s academy members of hotness and sexual attractiveness” for recognizing him as the man who supposedly made the country “the h*rniest this year.” The crowd roared with laughter as Sandler cheekily requested a “hell yeah” for his supposed new title.
The confusion, Sandler joked, stemmed from his long-awaited departure from the “sexy bench,” where he claimed to have been sitting “patiently” for decades. The mix-up provided a light-hearted moment at the awards ceremony, where Jennifer Aniston, a dear friend and previous People’s Icon recipient, presented Sandler with his award.
Beyond the laughter, the People’s Choice Awards took a moment to honor Sandler’s impressive career, which spans over 30 years of iconic roles, box office hits, and contributions to comedy and film. From “Billy Madison” to “Mr. Deeds,” Sandler’s characters have become a staple of American comedy, leaving a lasting impression on audiences across generations. His films, which have grossed over $3 billion globally, continue to be some of the most streamed on platforms like Netflix.
Sandler’s accolades include nine People’s Choice Awards, six MTV Movie Awards, and 12 Kids’ Choice Awards, among others. The actor also received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, further solidifying his status as a comedy legend. Despite his comedic prowess, Sandler has shown his range with roles in critically acclaimed films like “Uncut Gems” and “Hustle.”
As Sandler prepares for the release of his next project, the sci-fi drama “Spaceman,” his acceptance speech at the People’s Choice Awards serves as a reminder of his unique ability to blend humor with heartfelt appreciation. While he may not have taken home the title of Sexiest Man Alive (this time), Adam Sandler remains an icon in the hearts of fans and a true legend of comedy. And who knows? Maybe one day, he’ll finally get off that sexy bench.
