Awards season is officially in full swing. And while we’re still not over the Golden Globes – and the myriad feminist moments that defined it – last night was the Critics’ Choice Awards, and plenty happened there too. Read on for some of the most important moments you might have missed.
James Franco was a no-show
Despite the fact that he was nominated for – and won – the category of Best Actor for his work in The Disaster Artist, James Franco skipped the ceremony following allegations of sexual misconduct by five women, four of whom were former students, which were published yesterday in the Los Angeles Times.
Actor Walton Goggins, who presented the category, accepted the award on Franco’s behalf, telling the audience:“James couldn’t be here so we accept this on his behalf. ”
Gal Gadot won the #SeeHer Award and gave an incredible speech
We all know Gal Gadot plays Wonder Woman, but sometimes we think she also may actually be Wonder Woman, especially after the incredible speech she gave upon winning the #SeeHer award, which, according to a spokesperson for the event, recognizes women who “push boundaries” and “recognize the importance of accurately portraying women across the entertainment landscape. ”
“There were eight other films in the top 100 which were directed by females. So although this is progress,but there’s still a long way to go,” Gadot said. “As artists and filmmakers, I believe that it’s not only our job to entertain but our duty to inspire and educate for love and respect. 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. ”
Olivia Munn and Niecy Nash called out Mark Wahlberg, men in general
News of the massive pay gap between Michelle Williams and Mark Wahlberg during reshoots of All the Money in the World also broke shortly before the awards, which meant it was top of mind for attendees, and host Olivia Munn and guest Niecy Nash didn’t mince words when calling the actor our for his shady negotiation practices.
“I want to say ‘thank you’ to the producers for paying Niecy and I the same amount of money and Mark Wahlberg a million dollars,” Munn joked, referencing the stipend Wahlberg apparently demanded in order to do a reshoot of the film following sexual misconduct allegations against former cast member Kevin Spacey. Williams, director Ridley Scott, and other members of the cast, by contrast, agreed to work for next to nothing.
By contrast, Nash and Munn commended some men, including “that studio executive who had me meet him in the hotel conference room instead of his actual hotel room” and “the male casting director who didn’t ever say anything derogatory … in an audition. ”
Big Little Lies, MarvelousMrs. Maisel, and The Handmaid’s Tale won big
Just in case anyone in Hollywood was still unclear about the fact that narratives about and starring strong, interesting, nuanced women are bankable, HBO’s Big Little Lies took home four awards, while Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Taleand Amazon’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel each won two. Another big winner of the night was Guillermo del Toro’s film The Shape of Water.
Kumail Nanjiani thanked “all the white men”
Kumail Nanjiani, who won for The Big Sick, the sometimes-hilarious, sometimes-tearjerking true story of his relationship with his wife Emily V. Gordon, used the opportunity to subtly call out white male privilege.
“I’d like to thank all the white men who allowed us to stand here today,” Nanjiani said before going on to note that “men have been talking too much for centuries. We need to shut up, listen and amplify. ”
