'Creed' Director Coogler Takes High Road After Stallone Forgets To Thank Him At Globes
OAKLAND (CBS/AP) -- Sylvester Stallone's Golden Globes blunder was an honest mistake, says "Creed" director Ryan Coogler.
Stallone failed to acknowledge Coogler and lead actor Michael B. Jordan in his acceptance speech at Sunday's ceremony, after winning best supporting actor for his role in the movie.
Coogler believes Stallone was emotionally overwhelmed by the standing ovation he received, adding: "I was there and I know how Sly feels about us."
The actor received criticism for the oversight, despite returning to the stage during a commercial break to rectify his mistake. He has since apologized.
"He rushed back and basically stopped the music and told the whole band to stop and went on and on about us to the point where it was uncomfortable," Coogler joked Wednesday. "I love the guy and definitely don't think it was intentional at all. He has already thanked us so much."
"Sly is an awesome dude," he added.
Coogler grew up in Oakland and attended Saint Mary's College in Moraga. His directorial debut, Fruitvale about the 2009 shooting death of Oscar Grant at the Fruitvale BART station, won him The Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature. The 29-year-old's next project is Marvel and Disney's 'Black Panther,' which is about a black superhero. The movie is set for release in 2018.