Winners Gina Rodriguez, Common & George Clooney Talk Charlie Hebdo, Racism and Other Issues in Golden Globe Awards Acceptance Speeches
On the topic of the 72nd Golden Globes Awards, media are mostly talking about two things: the outrageously laugh-out-loud funny slams by Tina Fey and Amy Poehler and the haute couture fashion on the red carpet. Others have also brought attention to the fact that there was 12 first-time winners who took home gold in the TV categories. Not enough, however, highlighted the importance of the issues that some of Hollywood's elite addressed.
At the start of the night, it became apparent at the podium what the biggest problem for Hollywood is at the moment: the first amendment.
Theo Kingma, president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, received a standing ovation when he referenced the attacks on Charlie Hebdo in Paris. The incident that triggered the speech happened on Jan. 7, four days prior to the ceremony, when gunmen armed with Kalashnikovs and a rocket-launcher opened fire in the offices of the weekly French satirical newspaper. At least 12 people were killed, prompting France to raise its terror threat level. The publication has a history of infuriating Muslim leaders throughout France, the Middle East and various parts of the world for publishing controversial cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad, Huffington Post reports. After receiving a series of threats from social media users because of depictions of the prophet being forbidden in Islam, sources said a recent cartoon inspired the attack, according to Al Jazeera.
"We will stand against anyone who would repress free speech anywhere from North Korea to Paris," Kingma said. "The 72nd Golden Globes is produced by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and is viewed by many in Hollywood as a good predictor for the Oscars."
Golden Globe winners Kathy Bates and Dame Helen Mirren were among the actors displaying "Je suis Charlie" signs and badges.
George Clooney wore a pin in solidarity with his wife and human-rights lawyer Amal Clooney (née Alamuddin), NY Mag reports.
"We will not walk in fear. We won't do it," Clooney said, referring to the terrorist attack and massive march of solidarity that followed in Paris on Sunday. "Je suis Charlie."
Another hot topic, however, was representation for all minorities, including women, people of color and the transgender community.
Accepting her Golden Globe win for Best Actress in a TV Series, Musical or Comedy for "Jane the Virgin," Gina Rodriguez thanked the CW, which celebrated its first-ever win with the 30-year-old star.
"This reward is so much more than myself," she said. "It represents a culture that wants to see themselves as heroes. My father used to tell me to say every morning to myself it's a great day. I can and I will. Well Dad, today's a great day. I can and I did."
Upon accepting the award for Best Original Song from Prince alongside collaborator and crooner John Legend, legendary hip-hop artist Common also talked about what is happening stateside, including the recent murders of two slain NYPD police officers, the Ferguson protests and the deaths of unarmed black men and women.
"I want to thank God and the Hollywood Foreign Press," Common said. "The first day I stepped on the set of 'Selma,' I began to feel this was bigger than a movie. As I got to know the people of the civil rights movement, I realized, I am the hopeful black woman who was denied her right to vote. I am the hopeful black woman who was denied the right to vote. I am the caring white supporter. ... I am the unarmed black kid who maybe needed a hand, but instead of, was given a bullet."
Thanking Ava DuVernay, Oprah Winfrey, the cast and others, Common finished his speech by saying "Selma" "awakened my humanity."
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