Ladies and gentlemen, tonight we gather to honor a remarkable individual who has left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment and beyond. Please join me in welcoming Blake Lively.

Good evening, everyone. I apologize for my voice; I lost it earlier due to a bout of unbridled pregnancy rage. Please bear with me. I’m here to tell you that Ryan is the 36th recipient of this incredible honor, and notably, he is the first Canadian to receive it. This is a significant achievement for him and for Canada. Ryan, Canada, and I thank you all.

But tonight, I want to express our gratitude to Canada for giving us Ryan. This man has contributed so much to the world’s happiness through his art, heart, philanthropy, humor, integrity, work ethic, self-deprecating levity, depth, and grace. Many of these qualities stem from his Canadian roots. Giving back to the country that shaped him is vital to who he is.

When I met Ryan, he would often stop mid-sentence to ask if we said “almond” or “almond.” He came to LA as a proud Canadian, and as many actors know, one often tries to hide their origins to fit in, especially if you’re from Canada. However, Ryan made it a point to drive back to Canada every weekend, regardless of the weather. That journey was his sanctuary, keeping him grounded and sane.

Now, I am his home, and our daughters are his home. Like the young man he once was, he races home from wherever he is. If he came home without his work wardrobe, we would be concerned. Whether he’s soaked in mud, fake blood, real blood, or superhero suits, Ryan always comes home. He balances his intense work life with being the most present person I know.

Ryan’s dedication to his home and family is unmatched. He has a magical ability to be everything to everyone all at once. Yes, he creates magic on screen, but he also creates magic in real life. Our daughters can attest to this.

If anything defines Ryan, it’s his commitment to honoring and valuing his home—whether that’s our family, his friends, or his country. We all know who we are. His love for Canada is profound, and he gives back tirelessly.

While I won’t list all of his contributions to Canada tonight, know that he has created jobs, supported organizations, led causes, purchased hockey teams, boosted restaurants, and visited sick kids. The joy he brings to parents and children through his quiet, invisible acts of kindness is unforgettable.

In essence, Ryan’s DNA is distinctly Canadian, born in 1976 to Jim and Tammy Reynolds. Canada adores this man as it should, and I see why. To honor him tonight, here’s a song Stephen Page wrote for Ryan as he received Canada’s Governor General’s award.

Ryan, you are a genuine icon, loved and admired by many. Your contributions to the world are vast, and we are incredibly proud of you.

Now, please join us in singing the Canadian national anthem to celebrate this extraordinary man.

I leave you with a final message from another significant Canadian contributor:

“Hello everyone, bonjour. I wanted to congratulate a good friend and legendary Canadian, Ryan Reynolds, on receiving the American Cinematheque Award. Since 1984, this award has recognized individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the art of the moving picture. Ryan, you are truly deserving of this honor. Your career as an actor, producer, screenwriter, and entrepreneur is exceptional. Your philanthropic efforts, from supporting the Ottawa Food Bank to aiding refugees, are second to none. Canadians are proud of your achievements on and off the screen. Congratulations, dear friend.”

Ladies and gentlemen, let’s celebrate Ryan Reynolds, a true Canadian icon.