From The Straits Times    |
 

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The Golden Globes last night could have been ‘just another flashy awards ceremony’ but, luckily, it was quite the opposite, thanks to the attendees and award winners. Given the hugely impactful #MeToo female driven movement that dominated 2017’s press, starlets delivered a united front by all donning black ensembles as a show of togetherness against such ‘Harvey Weinsteins’ of the world. Why the Golden Globes? Well, Harvey Weinstein reportedly manipulated women in the film industry, using his status to sexually assault aspiring actresses (among many others), so honouring #MeToo last night has agreeable symmetry.

 

 

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In the demure black dresses (and black tuxedos) it was a silent but defiant collective support as stars gathered on the red carpet and filed into their seats. Silent, that is, until Oprah Winfrey stepped up onto the stage. Oprah is the first black woman to have been awarded the prestigious Cecil B DeMille Lifetime Achievement Award, and rather than delivering a self-praising or thankful-for-everyone’s-support typical speech, Oprah decided to expose the elephant in the room, in the only articulated way that Oprah knows how. She directly addressed racial injustice, the gender abuse that #MeToo movement highlights, sexual abuse as well as praising the press and looking to a more female empowering future.

ALSO READ: WHAT HAPPENED WHEN ASE WANG MET WITH HARVEY WEINSTEIN

 

 

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Recalling a significant rape account back from 1944, Oprah highlights how Recy Taylor (the victim) had no justice against the six abusers and used this account as a foundation to not only expose the error in the justice system, the previous racial discrimination women encountered but also, to deliver this very poignant message for 2018. She said: “She [Recy Taylor] lived as we all have lived, too many years in a culture broken by brutally powerful men. For too long, women have not been heard or believed if they dare speak the truth to the power of those men. But their time is up. Their time is up.”

 

 

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What is worthy to note too, is that Oprah does not at any point, man-bash. She praises the men who listen, who also stand up against such injustice and this is the mark of an incredible woman – one who recognises incredible men too. It’s easy to slather the male gender entirely with judgements made from just a few, but Oprah acknowledges that it is not just women who support #MeToo.

“And when that new day finally dawns, it will be because of a lot of magnificent women, many of whom are right here in this room tonight, and some pretty phenomenal men, fighting hard to make sure that they become the leaders who take us to the time when nobody ever has to say “me too” again.”

It is, thus, of no surprise that she received a standing ovation at the end of her speech and the world watched on with a similar roaring applause.

Without further ado, here’s her award-winning and life-inspiring speech:

 

ALSO READ: SAY NO TO SEX, PAY THE PRICE: WOMEN IN LOCAL SHOWBIZ TOLD TO MAKE “SACRIFICES” FOR THEIR CAREERS

Also check out the Best dressed stars at Golden Globes 2018.