Lady Gaga, the versatile singer, actor, and global superstar, recently showcased her signature wit and resilience during her appearance on Saturday Night Live (SNL). While hosting the show, she didn’t shy away from addressing the mixed reception of her recent film, Joker: Folie à Deux, in which she starred alongside Joaquin Phoenix. Gaga opened her monologue with a lighthearted jab at the film’s critics, humorously embracing the controversy surrounding the movie. With her characteristic confidence, she declared, “Anyway, I’m an actor now. I’ve been very diligent about selecting films that would showcase my craft as a serious actor. Films such as Joker 2.” She then playfully acknowledged the film’s less-than-stellar reception, mentioning that both she and Phoenix had been nominated for a RazzieAward, which recognizes the year’s worst films. “So we won—for worst onscreen duo,” she quipped, clearly unbothered by the criticism. Her ability to laugh at herself and the situation highlighted her ability to rise above the noise, a trait her fans have come to admire.
The Joker sequel, released in 2024, marked Gaga’s interpretation of the iconic character Harley Quinn, and while it generated significant buzz, it ultimately faced disappointment at the box office and with critics. Despite this, Gaga’s attitude remained unshaken. During her SNL monologue, she humorously remarked, “But joke’s on them. I love winning things. My Razzie brings me one step closer to an EGORT. It’s like an EGOT, but it’s hurtful.” Her reference to the EGOT—ceremonial achievement in the arts, which includes Emmys, Grammys, Oscars, and Tonys—was a clever nod to her ambition and her ability to find humor even in the face of criticism. Gaga’s willingness to embrace both her successes and failures with equal grace has long been a defining feature of her career, making her a beloved and relatable figure to her fans.
In addition to her monologue, Gaga’s SNL appearance included two performances from her latest album, Mayhem. She performed the tracks “Killah” and “Abracadabra,” championing the album’s bold and dynamic energy. Her stage presence and artistry were as captivating as ever, reminding viewers of her ability to seamlessly transition between acting and music. This duality of talent has made her a standout in the entertainment industry, and her ability to navigate both mediums with confidence only adds to her appeal.
Earlier this year, Gaga offered her perspective on Joker: Folie à Deux’s mixed reception in an interview with Elle. “People just sometimes don’t like some things,” she said matter-of-factly. “It’s that simple. And I think to be an artist, you have to be willing for people to sometimes not like it. And you keep going even if something didn’t connect in the way that you intended.” Her candid remarks reflects the resilience and humility that have shaped her career. Gaga’s ability to accept public opinion without letting it define her has been a hallmark of her success, and fans and critics alike have come to admire her for that.
This philosophy of perseverance and artistic freedom has been central to Gaga’s career since her rise to fame in the late 2000s. Whether she’s releasing boundary-pushing music, taking on challenging roles in film, or advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and mental health awareness, Gaga has consistently shown an unyielding dedication to her artistry and her values. Her willingness to take risks and embrace uncertainty has earned her a loyal fanbase and critical acclaim in multiple fields. While not every project she undertakes may resonate with everyone, her ability to remain authentic and unapologetically herself has made her one of the most respected figures in entertainment.
Gaga’s SNL appearance and her comments on Joker: Folie à Deux serve as a reminder of her resilience and humor in the face of criticism. By embracing both her successes and failures with equal grace, she continues to inspire her fans and solidify her status as a multitalented artist and cultural icon. Whether she’s on stage, screen, or speaking her mind in interviews, Lady Gaga remains a force to be reckoned with—proving time and again that true artistry and confidence can thrive even in the face of adversity.
