If you needed any further proof that Tom Hanks is an (inter)national treasure, then last night’s Celebrating America inauguration event provided it.
The actor hosted the star-studded event from Washington D.C. following the official transfer of power to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
As the Forrest Gump star addressed the American people at the start of the show, viewers had two things on their minds.
Standing in front of the Lincoln Memorial, Tom said: “In the last few weeks, and the last few years, we’ve witnessed deep divisions and a troubling rancour in our land.
“But tonight we ponder the United States of America, the practice of our democracy, the foundations of our republic, the integrity of our Constitution, the hopes and dreams we all share for a more perfect union.”
Following his intro, many viewers pointed out that it had eery similarities to a scene in The Simpsons Movie, which predicted the Hollywood star would make a televised speech in a moment of “national chaos” 14 years ago.
“The US government has lost its credibility, so it’s borrowing some of mine,” he says in a scene from the animated film.
Spooky.
But way more people were concerned about the 64-year-old star actually freezing to death on the steps of the Capitol building as he appeared to have forgotten his coat…
The presidential celebration featured a slew of performances from the likes of Katy Perry, Foo Fighters, John Legend, Bruce Springsteen, Demi Lovato, Justin Timberlake and Jon Bon Jovi.
The music stars performed from different locations across the US, as the inauguration events were intended to minimise the risk of further Covid-19 spread.
Watch the event in full below…
