Actress Sally Field referenced Canada and criticized the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger during her acceptance speech at the 2026 Emmy Awards on Monday.
Field won the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for her role in Netflix’s Remarkably Bright Creatures. In her speech, she praised Canada as “our neighbors, our friends”, an apparent allusion to ongoing trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada. She also expressed opposition to the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger, stating, “We can’t let those voices be silenced or compromised or merged.”
Emmys largely avoid political speeches
The 2026 Emmy Awards featured minimal political commentary, with most winners focusing on gratitude and industry appreciation. Former Late Show host Stephen Colbert, known for his criticism of former President Donald Trump, delivered a non-political speech honoring his crew after winning Best Variety Series. Colbert urged industry leaders to hire his team, emphasizing their professionalism and collaborative skills.
Other brief political remarks included Alan Cumming’s call for voter registration during his acceptance speech for Best Reality Series, stating, “The time for talk is over, it is now time to vote, America!”
Field’s speech draws attention
Field’s remarks stood out for their dual focus on international relations and media consolidation. After winning her fourth Emmy, she delivered an animated speech that included a defense of the film and television industry. She praised the director of Remarkably Bright Creatures for capturing the Pacific Northwest as a character, which she linked to her comments about Canada.
Coverage of the event noted that Field’s speech was one of the few overtly political moments of the night, contrasting with the generally apolitical tone of the ceremony.
Paramount-Warner Bros. merger remains contested
The proposed $19 billion merger between Paramount Global and Warner Bros. Discovery has faced scrutiny from industry figures, including Field. Critics argue the deal could reduce creative autonomy and limit diverse voices in entertainment. Supporters contend it would create a stronger competitor in the streaming and content markets.
U.S.-Canada trade relations
Trade relations between the U.S. and Canada have seen periodic disputes, particularly under the administration of former President Donald Trump, who at times suggested Canada could become the 51st U.S. state. Current tensions center on tariffs and regulatory differences, though both nations remain key trading partners.