‘My promise and commitment to all of you is that I will never be silenced, and we will continue to band together to make strides, uniting for equality’
The 23rd Critics’ Choice Awards took place on Thursday, and after a particularly powerful Golden Globes ceremony last weekend, some wondered how it would compete.
Following the past few months of sexual assault and harassment revelations, celebrities used their red (but actually blue) carpet appearances and time onstage to protest the mistreatment of women.
The most inspirational moment of the night however has to go to Wonder Woman actress Gal Gadot who was awarded the #SEEHER honour award, a gong aimed at recognising the importance of accurately portraying women in film.
Honouring the 32-year-old actress with the award was Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins who took to the stage to praise her friend and colleague.
‘She didn't do it for the glory. She didn't do it for the fame. She's not here for the money. She did it for us.’ Patty explained of Gal. ‘She knew the great importance of this character and what she could mean to the world if well done.’
Taking to the stage, Gal accepted the award, delivering an incredible powerful speech:
‘Throughout my career, I was always asked to describe my dream role,’ Gal explained. ‘It was clear to me that I wanted to play a strong and independent woman — a real one.’
Wonder Woman it seems was that role for Gal, with the actress explaining, ‘She's full of heart, strength, compassion, and forgiveness. She sees wrong that must be made right. She takes action when everyone around her is idle. She commands the attention of the world, and in doing so, she sets a positive example for humanity. She gets confused, insecure, and she's not perfect — and that's what makes her real.’
She continued: ’We wanted her to be universal, to be an inspiration to all people all around the world, and our plan was to make sure we didn't give too much attention to the fact that she's a woman.’
Going on to speak about Hollywood’s gender equality, Gal explained, ‘When I started acting, there were very few female-led movies, and even fewer female directors. This year, three of the top-grossing films were female-led, and one of them was directed by my wonderful Patty Jenkins. There were eight other films in [the] top 100 which were directed by females. So although this is progress, there is still a long way to go.’
‘In the past weeks and months, we've been witnessing a movement in our industry and society, and I want to share this award with all the women and men who stand for what's right: Standing for those who can't stand or speak for themselves. My promise and commitment to all of you is that I will never be silenced, and we will continue [to] band together to make strides, uniting for equality.’
Yes, Gal!
