LOS ANGELES—Veteran actor Tom Hanks was spotted pawning several prestigious awards, including his two Oscars, at “Hollywood Pawn & Gold” yesterday afternoon. Witnesses described the encounter as surreal but “weirdly wholesome.”
“He walked in casually, set his Oscars on the counter, and asked if they’d pay extra because his name was on them,” said pawnshop clerk Derek Vasquez. “I thought he was joking, but he wasn’t. He told me, ‘Honestly, they’re just clutter.‘”
When asked why he’d part ways with his most cherished accolades, Hanks reportedly shrugged and said, “It’s either these or my typewriters, and I’ll never abandon my typewriters.“
Though speculation about financial troubles immediately circulated, Hanks quickly dispelled such rumors when reached by phone. “I’m fine,” he said. “But have you seen the price of vintage Smith Coronas lately? Something had to go.“
Hollywood insiders expressed shock at Hanks’s casual disregard for the industry’s highest honors. “Tom pawning his Oscars feels like Mr. Rogers selling his sweaters,” said one anonymous source. “It’s unsettling.“
Pawnshop owner Marty Goldman revealed that he initially hesitated to accept the awards. “What do you even do with Tom Hanks’s Oscars? Melt them down? Make belt buckles? They’re impossible to resell,” Goldman explained. Ultimately, he offered Hanks $750 for each, joking, “I’ll just use them to hold down paperwork.“
Fans have reacted with mixed feelings online. One Twitter user remarked, “Tom Hanks pawning Oscars is exactly the energy 2025 deserves,” while another lamented, “If Tom Hanks doesn’t care about his Oscars, why do we care about anything?“
At press time, Hanks reportedly returned to the pawnshop, reconsidering after realizing he’d mistakenly pawned his Emmy as well. “That’s the one for ‘Band of Brothers,’” he explained sheepishly. “Spielberg would never forgive me.“
