Israeli actress Gal Gadot received a prestigious honor on Tuesday—a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The ceremony took place outside El Capitan Theater in Los Angeles. She attended the event with her husband, four daughters, and notable guests, including director Patty Jenkins and actor Vin Diesel.
During her speech, Gadot reflected on her Hollywood journey. However, not everyone agrees that she deserves this recognition.
Critics Question Gal Gadot’s Honor
Many people online expressed confusion about why Gadot received a star. On TikTok, content creator Kevin Smith mocked the decision, calling it “one of the funniest things.” His video quickly gained over 500 comments, with many echoing his sentiment.
Smith sarcastically questioned what role had earned Gadot the honor:
"Was it her scintillating role in Red Notice? Or performance of a lifetime in Netflix's Heart of Stone? Or Joss Whedon's Justice League? The sequel to end all sequels in Wonder Woman 1984? Has to be Death on the Nile. Oh never mind, it's Fast and Furious."
Most of these films received harsh criticism from both audiences and reviewers. Smith also pointed out that Emma Stone (a two-time Oscar winner) and Leonardo DiCaprio have yet to receive a star.
Social Media Divided on Gadot’s Recognition
Many users agreed with Smith. One person commented, “She can’t even act. It’s torture to watch her.” Another sarcastically referenced her participation in the infamous 2020 "Imagine" video, saying, “That’s what got her the star, obviously.”
Others acknowledged her as a good Wonder Woman but felt that wasn’t enough. “Gadot was a good Wonder Woman (the first one anyway), and THAT WAS IT,” wrote a user. Another suggested she should avoid political controversies.
Do Celebrities Pay for Their Stars?
A debate also erupted about whether celebrities buy their stars rather than earning them. While partially true, only selected individuals can pay for their stars.
How Do Celebrities Qualify?
According to the Hollywood Walk of Fame website, the selection process considers:
- Professional achievements
- At least five years of experience in the industry
- Community contributions
- A commitment to attending the dedication ceremony
Posthumous honorees must wait five years before being considered. After selection, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Board of Public Works approve the final decision.
How Much Does a Star Cost?
Selected celebrities must pay $75,000 for their star. The fee covers the installation, creation, and maintenance of the Walk of Fame.
Gal Gadot’s Speech: Family Comes First
During her speech, Gadot shared personal insights about her career and family. She jokingly said,
"Whenever my success grew, I always got pregnant. I needed to ground myself. That's what I tell my agents. It's either I'm making movies or making babies—no more babies."
She also expressed gratitude to her husband, Jaron Varsano, for supporting her dreams. Addressing her daughters, she said:
"Alma, Maya—whose birthday's today, she's 8, mazel tov!—Dan Dan, and baby Ori, everything I do, I do for you. Being your Ima is my greatest, greatest privilege and the most meaningful thing I've ever done."
What’s Next for Gal Gadot?
Gadot stars as The Evil Queen in Disney’s live-action Snow White, which hits theaters on Friday in India.