Oscar-nominated actress Rachel McAdams was honoured with a star on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame this Tuesday, celebrating her acclaimed career spanning over two decades. The ceremony, which recognised her "transformative performances" that have made her "one of Hollywood's most sought-after and respected actors," according to Walk of Fame producer Anna Martinez, featured a particularly memorable and humorous speech from her frequent collaborator, director Sam Raimi.
A Director's Affectionate Ribbing
Raimi, who directed McAdams in both Doctor Strange (2016) and its 2022 sequel Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, took to the podium to share some teasing yet loving words before the plaque's unveiling. The filmmaker, known for his work on the Spider-Man trilogy, immediately showcased his comedic timing by referencing some of McAdams' early career roles with playful exaggeration.
Playful Jabs at Film History
"In 2001, Rachel made her film debut in Shotgun Love Dolls," Raimi began, discussing the star of The Notebook, with whom he also collaborates on his forthcoming horror comedy Send Help. He quipped, "The movie opened to unfortunate circumstances as all the seats faced the screen." Continuing his roast, he added, "Then in 2002, Rachel came to Hollywood, where she starred in the prestigious Hot Chicks," deliberately stumbling on the comedy's actual title, The Hot Chick. Raimi described it as "considered by many as the Citizen Kane of Rob Schneider body-swap movies."
Calling McAdams' honour "much deserved," he then returned to roasting her with a clever twist. "Back then, Hollywood was a tough place to be for a young actress. And for Rachel, it was no different," Raimi stated. "People were mean. They'd walk all over her. But after 25 years of superb performances, she's risen to great heights. And now, thanks to that star, people will once again walk all over her."
Turning the Jokes on Himself
The director also made sure to include self-deprecating humour in his address. "Rachel's latest film is a thriller called Send Help, which is also what Rachel said after she found out I was directing," he jested. Offering a mock-directorial assessment, Raimi added, "As her director, I can honestly state that Rachel McAdams is one of the best actors in the movie. There are only two actors in the movie."
A Heartwarming Conclusion
Concluding his speech on a genuinely touching note, Raimi expressed his admiration and friendship for the actress. "Congratulations, Rachel. You are so kind and considerate. You're a brilliant collaborator and a good friend and a real movie star, someone to light up this Hollywood Walk of Fame. And you are really deserving of this honour. And we all love you. Thank you, Rachel."
Celebrating a Versatile Career
McAdams, 47, is renowned for her remarkably diverse filmography, which includes:
- Cult classic comedies like Mean Girls (2004) and Wedding Crashers (2005)
- Beloved romantic dramas such as The Notebook (2004) and The Time Traveler's Wife (2009)
- Critically acclaimed performances in films like Disobedience (2017) and Spotlight (2015), the latter earning her an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress
At the ceremony, McAdams was supported by collaborators old and new, including actors Dylan O'Brien and Domhnall Gleeson, who joined Raimi in celebrating her achievement.
Looking Ahead to Send Help
Next for the actress is a leading role in Raimi's upcoming film Send Help, scheduled for release on January 30. The thriller follows the story of a woman and her overbearing boss who become stranded on a deserted island after a plane crash, promising another showcase of McAdams' dynamic acting range under Raimi's direction.
This honour on the Hollywood Walk of Fame solidifies Rachel McAdams' status as a cherished and influential figure in contemporary cinema, celebrated not only for her talent but also for the warmth and professionalism that colleagues like Sam Raimi so clearly admire.
