**John Leguizamo Celebrates Iconic Quotes, Career Milestones, and Upcoming Collaborations**
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During a recent event held in Beverly Hills, actor John Leguizamo reflected on his remarkable four-decade career in the entertainment industry. The occasion was the Critics Choice Association’s 6th Annual Celebración of Cinema & Television, where he was awarded the Career Achievement Award for his significant contributions to film and television.
At 66 years old, Leguizamo took a moment to discuss the memorable lines from his films that fans frequently quote to him. When asked about the most popular phrases, he mentioned several notable ones. “They all say ‘Benny Blanco from the Bronx’ — from Carlito’s Way,” he noted, also recalling how fans enliven conversations with lines like, “We don’t talk about Bruno” from Disney’s Encanto, and even imitations of Sid the Sloth from the Ice Age series. Reflecting on his role as Chi-Chi Rodriguez in the cult classic *To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar*, he quipped, “I got more legs than a bucket of chicken!”
An important highlight for Leguizamo in 2026 is the 30th anniversary of Baz Luhrmann’s *Romeo + Juliet*, where he portrayed Tybalt. He expressed pride in working alongside the renowned director, stating, “To have worked with Baz Luhrmann — one of the iconic directors of our time — was such a joy for me.” He further remarked on the film’s impact, as it introduced Shakespearean themes to a younger audience that may have otherwise been uninterested, thereby broadening the appreciation of classic literature.
Receiving the Career Achievement Award was particularly gratifying for Leguizamo, who commented, “It feels like it was all worth something.” The recognition serves as a testament to his enduring contribution to the arts and the influence he continues to exert within the industry.
Although details about his future projects remain scarce, Leguizamo did reveal that he is working with Matt Damon again on an upcoming film directed by the acclaimed duo Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, who are known for their success with *Everything Everywhere All at Once*. “We’re doing the Daniels’ [new movie] because working with Matt is a joy and a half,” Leguizamo remarked. He praised Damon as “the coolest, funniest, realest dude that I ever hung out with.”
While the actor was tight-lipped regarding specific details of the new project, he did share his enthusiasm for it. “I’m not allowed to say anything except there’s a Daniels movie, and we’re having an amazing time,” he explained. He also mentioned the impressive talent within the cast, highlighting the excitement and inspiration he feels from working with a group of young actors who are paving the way for future generations in the industry.
Leguizamo’s continued passion for his craft and commitment to celebrating the performing arts was evident throughout the event, conveying a sense of gratitude for both his past experiences and future opportunities. As he moves forward in his career, fans can eagerly anticipate his next collaboration and the new stories he will help to tell.
As John Leguizamo cherishes his achievements and prepares for new ventures, he remains a beloved figure in Hollywood, celebrated not only for his versatility as an actor but also for his ability to resonate with audiences across different generations. The impact of his work is clear, and he continues to inspire both peers and fans alike.