It began with Meryl Streep at the Golden Globes awards but it appears that this year’s awards show season hasn’t been about the awards, rather it’s been a platform for those in the entertainment industry to express their opinions about the current President Donald Trump administration. The timing for the SAG awards couldn’t have been any more fitting. Only a day after Donald Trump enacted a fairly harsh immigration ban not only was the public enraged but Hollywood quickly took to the stage to express their dismay.
It seemed as though every time someone won an award they not only thanked who they wanted to thank and were grateful for their awards, but they decided to step up to the mic and say how they felt about Donald Trump’s most recent order. Actors told anecdotes about their own families, mentioned airports, talked unity, immigration, and just as importantly asked for change.
We decided to put together a compilation of all of the major quotes related to the immigration ban (courtesy of SF Gate). As to how our new President is going to handle all of this backlash, that remains to be seen but perhaps the collective efforts of the Hollywood elite can bring about the beginning of change. Steven Bannon would probably have something to say about that though.
Here are the quotes:
Kerry Washington
“People are always saying actors shouldn’t express their opinions – but actors are activists no matter what … and my union allows me to do that.”
Ashton Kutcher
“I am a citizen of the world,” the Netflix star said.
While presenting Outstanding Female Performance in a Comedy Series, Kutcher also paid tribute to “everyone in airports that belong in my America. You are a part of the fabric of who we are, and we love you and we welcome you.”
Julia Louis-Dreyfus
“I am the daughter of an immigrant,” the “VEep” Star said accepting the award for Best Actress in a comedy series. “My father fled religious persecution in Nazi-occupied France and I’m an American patriot – and I love this country. And because I love this country, I am horrified by its blemishes. And this immigrant ban is a blemish and is un-American.”
Mahershala Ali
“We see what happens when you persecute people, they fold into themselves,” said the supporting-actor winner for “Moonlight.” “[I was grateful to be] playing a gentleman who saw a young man folding into himself and taking that opportunity to uplift him, and tell him that he mattered and tell him he was ok, and accept him – and I hope we do a better job at that.”
John Lithgow
“I’d also like to thank an underrated actress who somehow spoke my exact thoughts three week ago at another awards show – Meryl Streep,” said the star of Netflix’s “The Crown.”
Sarah Paulson
“I want to ask people, any money they have to spare please donate to the ACLU, which protects the rights and liberties of people across this country,” said the actress, a winner again for her work on “The People vs. O.J. Simpson.”
Bryan Cranston
“Donald Trump – I honestly feel like [U.S. President No.] 36 would put his arm around 45 and sincerely wish him success … and say, ‘Just don’t piss in the soup that all of us gotta eat,’” Cranston said, speaking through his “All The Way” character President Lyndon B. Johnson.
Lily Tomlin
“What sign should I make for the next march?”
SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris
“Our union and our country are strong because of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, and because of the contribution of actors, broadcasters and recording artists worldwide who we represent and protect,” the former “Beverly Hills 90210” star said. “To paraphrase Alan Rickman, performers are agents of change. A film, a piece of theater or a book can make a difference. It can and does change the world.”
Emma Stone
“Things are very inexcusable and scary and need action,” said the “La La land” star and Best Actress winner.
David Harbour
“In light of all that’s going on in the world today, it’s difficult to celebrate the already celebrated ‘Stranger Things,” said the show’s David Harbour, accepting the award for best TV drama series ensemble on behalf of 15 fellow cast members heavy on teens.
In a lengthy speech that reflected the evening’s consistently activist tone, Harbour suggested that people follow the lead of his lawman character and “punch some people in the face when they seek to destroy the weak and the disenfranchised and the marginalized.”
Macy’s win as best TV comedy actor came despite Tambor’s hefty awards haul for his portrayal of a transgender character, including last year’s SAG trophy, two Emmys and a Golden Globe.
“I’m shocked. I’m probably not as shocked as Jeffrey, but I’m pretty shocked. I would like to go against the strain this evening and thank President Donald Trump for making Frank Gallagher seem so normal,” the actor said, referring to the reprobate dad he plays in Showtime’s “Shameless.”
Photo by Buckner/Variety/REX Shutterstock
