The Academy Awards are known for the glitz, the glam, and the fanfare. Less talked about, however, is how the stage is often used by celebrities to promote social justice. From the infamous Marlon Brando Oscar decline, to Patricia Arquette’s best supporting actress speech, the Academy Awards has moved its audiences to awareness and action many times.
Here is a quick run down of four social justice moments at the Academy Awards.
Marlon Brando Declines his Oscar:
Today in film history, 1973-Marlon Brando sent Sacheen Littlefeather to decline his Oscar for "The Godfather." http://t.co/QFwV1huP
— Film Chest (@FilmChest) March 27, 2012
This is possibly the most famous instance, because it was the first major social justice effort. During the 45th Academy Awards, Marlon Brando used his Oscar win to call out the injustices faced by Native American in the film and television industry. He,decided not to attend the ceremony, and asked Sacheen LittleFeather, president of the National Native American Affirmative Image Committee, to decline the award instead. Brando’s choice was iconic and changed the academy’s policies. No longer could other people step in to pick up an actor’s win.
Sean Penn stands up for gay rights and marriage equality :
Remember gay rights before that stellar day last June when marriage equality happened? There is still a long road ahead, but leaders like Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected politician and gay rights activist, pushed the marriage equality and equal rights movement forward. When Sean Penn accepted his best actor award for his portrayal of Milk, he embodied the tenacity and the fearlessness of Milk.
In 2015 the Academy Awards were all about SOCIAL JUSTICE
Singer John Legend and rapper Common’s acceptance speeches both focused on the racial disparities in the criminal justice system and the continued threats against voting rights. They even called on Congress to reintroduce and pass the Voting Rights Amendments Act.
John Legend you are a stellar global citizen, and, once again, thanks for your beautiful performance at the Global Citizen Festival in 2012.
and then Patricia was inspired us ALL when she took the stage last year
Patricia Arquette and wage equality:
She started her speech as any other winner would--thanking her family, her cast family from Boyhood, her favorite painter--and then she took on the a major issue underpinning the evening: wage inequality.
Merryl’s reaction sums it all up:
At the current pace, global gender parity won’t be achieved until 2133!
Ridiculous right?
Sounds like this issue could use some star assistance. As global citizens we can help motivate stars like Lady Gaga, Brie Larson and Mark Ruffalo to make a #PledgeForParity.