Actor Chris Pratt shocked both live and television MTV audiences with his unfiltered, raw, and unapologetic acceptance speech praising the Lord Jesus Christ. In passionate remarks from the stage, the former ‘Parks and Recreation’ star lectured woke Hollywood that no one is perfect and that everything good in their life comes from Christ’s ultimate sacrifice and God’s mercy.
For context, Pratt was on stage at the 2018 MTV Movie and TV Awards after being recognized for his starring roles in not one but two blockbuster films. The entire speech was filled with what he considered lessons in life, including the simple-enough but hard-to-follow “don’t be a turd.” However, what really set the internet on fire was his unabashed profession of faith.
Pratt, who achieved Hollywood A-list celebrity status with his work on the Marvel films ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and the “Lost World’ trilogy, did not hold back as he immediately declared that “God is real.” Perhaps more surprising than a Hollywood actor professing his love of Christ and gratitude for his death on the cross was the response from many in the audience. Rather than boos, or even silent indifference, Pratt’s opening salvo generated significant cheers.
“God is real. God loves you. God wants the best for you. Believe that. I do,” said Pratt as he stood proudly on stage and let the moment reach the audience. Cheers and hollers of approval filled the space between his speech.
Pratt continued, reminding everyone in the room that not a single one of them was perfect. “Learn to pray. It’s easy and it’s so good for your soul. Nobody is perfect. People are going to tell you You’re perfect just the way you are. You’re not. You are imperfect. You always will be. But there is a powerful force that designed you that way, and if you’re willing to accept that, you will have grace.”
“And Grace is a gift, and like the freedom that we enjoy in this country, that grace was paid for with somebody else’s blood. Do not forget it. Don’t take it for granted,” Pratt finished, commingling his well-known patriotism with religious fervor.
Responding on X recently to the resurfaced clip, the account Camus celebrated the moment. “Raw, direct, zero apologies—delivered on one of the biggest stages in entertainment. Still one of the most talked-about acceptance speeches years later,” the account wrote.
He continued, eliciting responses from his followers about the impact of the clip. “What hits you hardest from this? The call to pray, the reminder of imperfection, the grace message, or something else? Share your thoughts below—open to hearing where it lands for you.”
One user responded by summarizing that nothing is free. Whether our freedoms in America or salvation through Christ, nothing is free. “What gets me the most is that part about grace being a gift paid for with somebody else’s blood, and tying it straight to the freedom we have here in America. He’s spot on,” the user wrote.
“Our freedom wasn’t free; brave men and women bled and died for it, just like Jesus bled and died for the grace that saves us imperfect people. We can’t ever take that for granted, not the blood shed on battlefields or the blood shed on the cross. It’s a reminder to stay humble, grateful, and to live like it matters,” they continued.