The 58th annual CMA Awards took place on November 20, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee, celebrating the best in country music. The star-studded evening featured actors, musicians, and media personalities gathered to honor the industry’s finest. Among them was actor Jeff Bridges, whose role as the final presenter became an unexpected highlight of the night, sparking a buzz on social media.

Bridges, known for his legendary roles in films like “True Grit,” was on stage to announce the prestigious Entertainer of the Year award. Standing under the spotlight, the Hollywood star began smoothly. “And the CMA Award for Entertainer of the Year goes to,” he said, pausing to open the envelope. However, the moment quickly turned awkward when he announced the winner as “Morgan Waylon.”

The audience soon realized Bridges had mispronounced the name of the actual winner, Morgan Wallen, one of the night’s top honorees.

Despite the slip-up, Bridges continued without pause, noting that Wallen, who was not present at the event, had won the award. The actor shared that he would accept the trophy on behalf of the absent musician. A lady on stage handed the award to Bridges, who then raised it in the air and cheered for Wallen as the crowd applauded.

While the moment appeared lighthearted in the arena, it ignited a wave of mixed reactions online. Social media lit up with comments about the incident, with many criticizing Bridges’ mispronunciation and questioning the decision to have him as a presenter.

One user wrote, “I know Morgan couldn’t care less but another L for CMA. Whose decision was it for washed-up Jeff bridges to present the highest honor award ??? One of the many odd moments from last night [sic].” Another commented directly at the network, “@ABC Too bad Jeff Bridges was a host for the CMA’s he should have crawled back into his woke hole.”

Some found the moment amusing. “Jeff Bridges calling him Morgan Waylon is objectively hilarious,” one person remarked. Yet, others took issue with the slip-up, with a viewer stating, “If Jeff Bridges can’t even pronounce Morgan Wallen correctly, he’s got no business presenting an award.”

The criticisms continued as another individual posted, “Yikes! Jeff Bridges was the only person in that arena that didn’t know who Morgan Wallen was.” One commenter questioned the production choices, writing, “Who thought it was a good idea to have Jeff Bridges on the show??”

Other remarks called out the actor’s lack of familiarity with Wallen. “And when the presenter (Jeff Bridges) announced that Morgan had won Entertainer of The Year, he didn’t even know how to pronounce his name!! Horrible!” wrote one person. Another echoed this sentiment, “Pity he wasn’t there to pick up his [award] and Jeff Bridges couldn’t even say his name correctly. Disgraceful.”

Some critiques extended beyond Bridges to the overall event. “Holy hell. Morgan Wallen, who isn’t in Nashville, wins Entertainer of the Year. Jeff Bridges mispronounces his last name. More awkwardness from the hosts. What an underwhelming ending to a very meh show at best,” a viewer commented. Adding to the discussion, another user said, “But the disrespect of mispronouncing his name come on [sic].”

Not everyone condemned Bridges entirely, with some viewers showing leniency. “It was Jeff Bridges, who is a 74 year old Hollywood superstar. I’m sure it was unintentional as he probably has no idea who Morgan Wallen is,” wrote one person.

Others defended the actor’s legacy. “Yes, he should absolutely have pronounced Morgan’s last name correctly, but you don’t know who Jeff Bridges is? Iconic actor for decades, from an iconic acting dynasty family.”

Bridges’ appearance as a presenter at the CMA Awards was not without precedent. According to the CMA’s official website, the 74-year-old actor, known for his Emmy-nominated role in the hit FX drama “The Old Man,” was one of several high-profile figures invited to the prestigious event. Alongside Bridges, presenters included Olympian Simone Biles, country artist Jordan Davis, actor Don Johnson, and MLB star Freddie Freeman.

Bridges brought with him a unique connection to the world of music. His musical endeavors extend beyond his acting career, as noted in his artist profile on Deezer. Following in the footsteps of his famous father Lloyd Bridges and brother Beau Bridges, he made a name for himself as a Hollywood star in films like “The Last Picture Show” and “The Big Lebowski.”

However, the “R.I.P.D.” star’s musical talents were first showcased in the movie “The Fabulous Baker Boys,” where he portrayed a struggling jazz pianist.

In 2000, he released his debut album “Be Here Soon,” highlighting his love for blues, country, and Americana. His role as a down-and-out country musician, Bad Blake, in “Crazy Heart” (2009) solidified his musical credentials, earning him an Oscar and critical acclaim for his performances on the film’s soundtrack.

He later released his second album, “Jeff Bridges” (2011), which featured collaborations with artists like Rosanne Cash and Ryan Bingham. It reached No. 25 on the US charts and enabled Bridges to garner praise for his “leathery, lived-in vocal growl and his authentic love of rootsy American soul.”