LOS ANGELES – Brad Pitt is back and looking "crazy hot."

The actor, 54, made a rare but impressive audience at the Hollywood Film Awards to present an award Felix van Groeningen for "Beautiful Boy."

Pitt skipped the red carpet and caused a stir in the audience when he walked out on the stage for the night's first award.

Host Awkwafina said Pitt backstage with Ryan Gosling was a beautiful thing.

"We should call the show 'Crazy Hot Caucasians,'" she joked from the podium. "It's very steamy back there."

Pitt, in throes of a bitter divorce from Angelina Jolie, looked healthy and vibrant, with her hair and black jacket. He kept his remarks from the podium brief in introducing the Belgian director; Pitt is a producer on the drama.

He said the story of a young man's addiction – starring Timothy Chalamet, Steve Carell, Maura Tierney and Amy Ryan – with his message of unconditional love in a family, was needed in hard times.

"When meanness is so loud, what better salve than that of hope?" Pitt said.

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How hot was Pitt? Hugh Jackman gave a stage to the show, but Pitt has nothing to do with his upcoming movie "The Front Runner."

"Thank you, Brad Pitt," said Jackman smiling. "I'm going to say that every morning."

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