Daniel Day-Lewis borrows Eastwood empty chair routine

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Daniel Day-Lewis borrowed a page from Clint Eastwood’s book last night as he accepted an award at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts’ Britannia Awards event.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the actor was honored with the Stanley Kubrick Award for Excellence in Film and when he took the stage, he decided to share a little political humor, much to the audience’s content.

Day-Lewis apologized for his groggy demeanor, saying he was up “’til probably 2 in the morning last night watching CNN,” presumably for election results and speeches.

“I have to say,” he continued. “I’m so extremely grateful and glad that — taking time out of his very busy schedule, the recently re-elected President of this country has made it here.” He gestured towards the empty chair beside him on the stage, and the crowd erupted with laughter.

Day-Lewis told the invisible Obama, “I know as an Englishman it’s absolutely none of my business, but I’m just so very grateful it was you!”

He later explained his parody was inspired by nothing more than professional jealousy. “I love Clint Eastwood. This is no satirical comment on his politics or anything else. But I have to say, when I saw him talking to a chair in front of a room full of strangers, I thought, ‘I’ve got to try that.’ That’s a challenge. I didn’t pull it off quite as well as him, but anyhow, I’ve got some way to go.”

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