Celebrities have been taking advantage of their platforms and expressing their political views at award shows since the 2016 election. From the 2016 Oscars to the 2017 Golden Globes and Grammy Awards, acceptance speeches have gone political.
One of the most memorable moments of the 2016 Oscars was Leonardo DiCaprio finally winning an Oscar. Instead of soaking in the glory of winning, he chose to speak about a topic that is important to him: climate change. Entertainment Weekly Online
Entertainment Weekly Online quotes DiCaprio as saying, “climate change is real. It is happening right now. We need to support leaders around the world who do not speak for the big polluters or the big corporations, but who speak for all of humanity.” DiCaprio’s speech spoke to those who are concerned about climate changed; he successfully utilized his stance in society to speak on an important subject.
The 2017 Golden Globes also became fierce with political speeches. Jimmy Fallon, the host of the show, made a joke acknowledging the influx of Trump jokes that he was sure would ensue throughout the show. Most notable was Meryl Streep’s speech in which she slammed President Donald Trump, not even bothering to let his name slip from her lips, according to Entertainment Weekly Online.
“There was one performance this year that stunned me — it sank its hooks in my heart… it was the moment where the person asking to sit in the most respected seat in our country imitated a disabled reporter. Someone he outranked in privilege, power, and the capacity to fight back,” Streep said. Her speech continued with her disappointment in the president-elect. She expressed the privilege of holding office and how Trump misused his power to mock a disabled reporter.
The 2017 Grammy Awards also brought to life political speeches. A notable speech was given by Jennifer Lopez before announcing one of the awards of the night. “At this particular point in history, our voices are needed more than ever,” Deadline reported Lopez saying. She goes on to express the need to stick together and to not bow down to fear. Paris Jackson also struck a political chord during the Grammy Awards.
With the Oscars on Feb. 26, it will be interesting to see what political statements, if any at all, will hit the stage. It has been a very political year, and Hollywood is using its platform to express various political stances.
