No, it wasn’t the extravagant gowns worn on the red carpet or the *hilarious* jokes told by the host that stole the show at the 75th Golden Globes.
It was, in fact, the powerful speech Oprah Winfrey ever-so-inspiringly gave in acceptance of the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille award, making history by becoming the first African-American woman to receive the honour for “outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment.”
The OWN network founder and humanitarian managed to transform the awards show into a platform for women’s rights and social justice, highlighting issues of sexual abuse and racial discrimination in a brave and fearless manner.
“I’ve interviewed and portrayed people who’ve withstood some of the ugliest things life can throw at you, but the one quality all of them seem to share is an ability to maintain hope for a brighter morning, even during our darkest nights.” – Oprah Winfrey
Her moving speech brought the crowd to their feet and tears to their eyes as she delved into the story of Recy Taylor, an African-American woman who was kidnapped and gang-raped by a group of white men on her way home from church in 1944. The men threatened to murder Taylor if she ever reported them and they were never prosecuted, however Oprah proudly announced that those days are now unquestionably over:
“I’d like to thank the Hollywood Foreign Press Association because we all know that the press is under siege these days, but we also know that it is the insatiable dedication to uncovering the absolute truth that keeps us from turning a blind eye to corruption and to injustice, to tyrants and victims and secrets and lies.”
“I want to say that I value the press more than ever before as we try to navigate these complicated times, which brings me to this: what I know for sure is that speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we all have.”
“And I’m especially proud and inspired by all the women who have felt strong enough and empowered enough to speak up and share their personal stories.”
“Each of us in this room are celebrated because of the stories that we tell. And this year we became the story. But it’s not just a story affecting the entertainment industry. It’s one that transcends any culture, geography, race, religion, politics, or workplace.”
I want all the girls watching here, now, to know that a new day is on the horizon! – Oprah Winfrey
In related news, Big Little Lies (starring Nicole Kidman) won best limited series and The Handmaid’s Tale took out the title for best drama. Both shows highlight cases of sexual assault.
The dress code for the night was also “all black” making a further statement against sexual misconduct.
Watch the entire speech below:
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