James Corden's heated exchange with Patrick Stewart at an awards show has resurfaced following the actor's death at 86. The moment took place in June 2010, when Corden was hosting the Glamour Women of the Year Awards in London and Stewart was presenting an award.
The two stars traded sharp remarks in front of a room full of celebrities after Stewart called out Corden for his behaviour on stage. The argument became even more uncomfortable when Stewart made a joke about Corden's belly, prompting the comedian to deliver the now-famous line, 'We can all see you dying right now.'
How The Fight Began
Stewart's clash with Corden began when the actor walked on stage to present the Film Actress of the Year award to Zoe Saldaña. Corden, who was hosting the event, had been standing at the back of the stage with his hands in his pockets. Stewart took the chance to call him out in front of the audience.
'When the presenters are up here, and when the recipients are receiving their awards, don't stand at the back of the stage with your hands in your pockets, looking around as though you wish you were anywhere but here,' Stewart told him.
Corden appeared to disagree with the comment and said he was sorry if he had given that impression. However, he soon told Stewart to 'f***ing get on with it' and present the award.
The exchange grew more tense when Stewart made a remark about Corden's appearance. 'From where I was sitting, I could see your belly, and that was right over there at the back of the room,' the actor said.
Corden then moved closer to Stewart and replied, 'I'm waiting for the punchline. Go on. No, seriously, go on.'
Corden's Sharp Comeback
Corden did not let the remark about his belly pass without a response. He fired back at Stewart, saying, 'You could see my belly, and we can all see you dying right now.' The crowd reacted to the tense exchange, with some people shouting and others making noise as the two men continued.
The moment became one of the most talked-about parts of the awards show. Stewart later made another joke about Corden's belly, while the comedian also joked about the actor being an old man who needed to go home. Corden even lifted his shirt later in the ceremony to show his stomach to the audience.
Zoe Saldaña helped bring the awkward moment to an end with a joke of her own. She told the room that she liked Corden's belly and made another remark about seeing Stewart die on stage. The comment helped bring laughter back to the room before the event moved on.
Stewart Later Regretted It
Stewart later spoke about the clash and admitted that he had drunk too much champagne before going on stage. In a 2015 interview, he said he had become bored and decided to have a go at Corden. He also explained that he had been upset by some of the things Corden had said to an actress during the show.
The actor did not hide his regret about how the night ended. He said, 'We've talked since, we're friends,' making it clear that the argument had not ruined their relationship. Stewart also said he wanted to appear on Corden's talk show and discuss what had happened.
In 2011, Stewart had already admitted that he went too far during the awards show. He said alcohol had left him 'somewhat out of control' and added, 'I have nothing but admiration for Mr Corden. I still blush in remembrance of it.'
The old video has gained fresh attention following Stewart's death on 28 October 2026. The actor died at his home in Los Angeles at the age of 86, with his family confirming the news the following day. His death has led fans to revisit moments from his long career, including the unforgettable exchange with Corden.
