Comedian Jerry Seinfeld was awarded an honorary Clio Award for his role as a spokesman for American Express. During his acceptance speech, Seinfeld had some comical insight on the advertising industry.
“I love advertising,” Seinfeld said. “Because I love lying.” Seinfeld’s speech was packed with jokes about advertising in the sarcastic and observational tone he is known for.
The Clio Awards have been given for achievements in advertising, design and communications since 1959.
Seinfeld’s acceptance speech was reminiscent of his stand-up routine or a script from his eponymous sitcom, filled with tongue-in-cheek remarks about the industry.
“I think spending your life trying to dupe innocent people out of hard-won earnings to buy useless, low-quality, misrepresented items and services is an excellent use of your energy,” Seinfeld said.
After a few more jokes, he concluded his speech by thanking the audience.
“I hope it makes you as happy as you have made me happy for this five minutes of my life, which will last until I get to the edge of this stage, and it hits me that this was all a bunch of nonsense.”
