At a Glance
- Sharon Stone, 67, was asked “Who are you and why are you sitting here?” at the Astra Film Awards on January 9, 2026
- She fired back during her acceptance speech: “F— you. But more importantly… welcome to you”
- The actress received the Timeless Award from the Hollywood Creative Alliance
- Why it matters: The moment spotlights generational gaps in Hollywood recognition and Stone’s call for young stars to pair fame with activism
Sharon Stone turned an awkward seating mix-up into a viral lesson on fame and purpose at the 2026 Astra Film Awards. Minutes after strangers at her table questioned her right to sit there, the Basic Instinct icon took the stage to accept the ceremony’s top career honor-and made sure the “kids” who snubbed her wouldn’t forget it.
The Confrontation
According to News Of Los Angeles, Stone told the crowd that earlier in the evening “someone came over and said, ‘Who are you and why are you sitting here?'”
Her blunt reply: “F— you. But more importantly… welcome to you,” she repeated, drawing laughter from the audience. She then addressed the entire table: “To the kids at my table who wondered ‘Who the f— took that chair?’ Now you know.”
Turning Fame Into Activism
Stone, 67, used the incident to pivot into a larger message about responsibility in Hollywood. “I started my activism work when my fame kicked in,” she said. “I’d like to give you an opportunity to start your activism work now that your consciousness has kicked in.”
Key moments from her speech:
- “Fame without awareness, success without purpose, is pointless”
- Encouraged newcomers to pair ambition with cause
- Challenged attendees to use their platforms for social good
Career Tenacity on Display
The Oscar nominee also reflected on her own hustle, revealing she held the Basic Instinct script for eight months before landing the 1992 role that made her a global star.
“I was not the first person they offered it to,” she admitted. “I was the person who was prepared… I wanted that part.”
Her advice: “When you want something as an artist, you should go and get it.”
Event Highlights
The January 9, 2026 ceremony, hosted by Sinners star Omar Miller Benson, honored the year’s top film and television work. Beyond Stone’s Timeless Award, Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan’s vampire drama Sinners dominated with six wins:
| Award | Winner |
|---|---|
| Best Motion Picture – Drama | Sinners |
| Best Director | Ryan Coogler |
| Best Original Screenplay | Ryan Coogler |
| Best Actor – Drama | Michael B. Jordan |
Recent Work
Stone most recently appeared as the villain in Nobody 2, Bob Odenkirk’s 2025 action sequel. Her Astra honor marks the latest accolade in a four-decade career spanning Casino, Total Recall, and extensive humanitarian efforts.
Key Takeaways
- A single question-“Who are you?”-sparked a masterclass on longevity and purpose
- Stone flipped embarrassment into empowerment for a new generation
- The incident underscores how quickly Hollywood memory fades without consistent visibility
- Her speech reinforced that true success pairs achievement with advocacy
Daniel J. Whitman reported the exchange for News Of Los Angeles.
