Two-time Oscar winner Sally Field used her Emmys acceptance speech to address two major flashpoints: Trump’s trade dispute with Canada and Paramount’s proposed merger with Warner Bros.
The 79-year-old took home the trophy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Anthology Series or Movie for her role in the Netflix drama Remarkably Bright Creatures.
In her acceptance speech, Field praised the Pacific Northwest, where the film is set, as its own “character” in the drama, before noting that it was actually shot in Canada.
“Blessed Canada! Our neighbors, our friends,” Field said pointedly, shaking her head as the audience cheered and applauded.
Her comments come as President Trump’s trade war with Canada continues to escalate. Last week, the White House banned imports on dairy products, most alcoholic beverages and motorcycles from Canada.
Meanwhile, Canada announced retaliatory tariffs on about $20 billion worth of U.S. goods.
Under Trump, U.S.-Canada relations have deteriorated rapidly. In addition to imposing tariffs on Canadian products, Trump has repeatedly made inflammatory comments about making Canada the 51st U.S. state and renaming Lake Ontario, “Lake America.” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney came to power last year in a come-from-behind political victory by promising to stand up to him.
At the end of her Emmys speech, Field also appeared to allude to Paramount’s proposed takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery.
“I have been so grateful and so proud to be a part of this community, the arts, for 62 years,” said Field.
“We’re the arts. We matter. Our voices matter. Our diversity, our unique storytelling, matters. We can’t let those voices be silenced or compromised or merged.”
Last month, more than 1,400 actors, directors and filmmakers — including many A-list stars — signed an open letter opposing the merger.
The letter, signed by Emma Thompson, Ben Stiller, Javier Bardem and Rose Byrne, among others, argues: “This transaction would further consolidate an already concentrated media landscape, reducing competition at a moment when our industries — and the audiences we serve — can least afford it.”
“The result will be fewer opportunities for creators, fewer jobs across the production ecosystem, higher costs, and less choice for audiences in the United States and around the world,” the signatories say.
Field’s comments were a rare political note in an Emmys ceremony that largely steered clear of controversy. Host Mariska Hargitay, best known for Law & Order: SVU, drew a mixed response for her performance, while some viewers suggested comedian John Mulaney would have been a stronger choice after his appearance presenting the award for Lead Actor in a Drama Series.
You can find the full list of 2026 Emmy Award winners here.
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