Nick Offerman Triumphs and Speaks Out Against Homophobia: Best Supporting Performance at the 2024 Independent Spirit Awards
Nick Offerman clinched the award for Best Supporting Performance in a New Scripted Series at the 2024 Independent Spirit Awards, credited to his portrayal of the survivalist Bill in HBO’s “The Last of Us.” In his acceptance speech, Offerman didn’t shy away from addressing the toxic fan response that followed the episode “Long, Long Time,” which featured a gay love story and led to homophobic comments directed at him.
Nick Offerman
“I’m astonished to be in this category, which is bananas,” Offerman expressed upon taking the stage. He thanked HBO for their courage in contributing to independent storytelling. In response to the homophobic hate he received, he passionately asserted, “Because you ask questions like that. It’s not a gay story; it’s a love story, you asshole!”
The Spirit Awards audience erupted in applause, acknowledging Offerman’s powerful response. His portrayal of Bill in “The Last of Us” had previously earned him an Emmy Award for Best Guest Actor in a Drama Series earlier that year.
In the acclaimed episode “Long, Long Time,” Offerman starred alongside Murray Bartlett. The episode deviated from the main storyline of “The Last of Us” to spotlight the love story between two men over two decades amid the chaos of an escalating zombie virus. While the episode received widespread critical acclaim, it unfortunately attracted homophobic trolls who criticized the show for featuring a gay romance.
As “The Last of Us” kicks off production for Season 2 with stars Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, it’s unlikely that Offerman or Bartlett will return. However, new additions to the cast for Season 2 include Isabela Merced, Young Mazino, Kaitlyn Dever, and the renowned Catherine O’Hara, bringing fresh energy to the series.
