Oprah Winfrey made history at the Golden Globes 2018 when she became the first black woman to receive the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille award for “outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment.” What’s more, the TV legend and philanthropist received three standing ovations - before, during and after her speech!
Her inspiring speech saw her condemning “a culture broken by brutally powerful men.” She also predicted the dawning of a new era, inspired by the #MeToo movement.
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In a flashback to her difficult childhood, the actress, producer and media mogul recalled watching Anne Bancroft in 1964, presenting Sidney Poitier with Best Actor at the 36th Academy Awards. “[Bancroft] opened the envelope and said five words that literally made history: 'The winner is Sidney Poitier…. Up to the stage came the most elegant man I had ever seen. I remember his tie was white and, of course, his skin was black, and I'd never seen a black man being celebrated like that. I have tried many, many, many times to explain what a moment like that means to a little girl, a kid watching from the cheap seats as my mom came through the door, bone-tired from cleaning other people's houses. But all I can do is quote ... Sidney's performance in Lilies From the Field: 'Amen, amen. Amen, amen.'”
“It is not lost on me,” she added, “that at this moment, there are some little girls watching as I become the first black woman to be given this same award.” Maintaining that the “press is under siege these days," she pledged her “insatiable dedication to uncovering the absolute truth that keeps us from turning a blind eye to corruption and to injustice, to tyrants and victims and secrets and lies.”
Winfrey declared, “What I know for sure is that speaking your truth is the most powerful tool we all have. And I'm especially proud [of] and inspired by all the women who have felt strong enough and empowered enough to speak up and share their personal stories. Each of us in this room is celebrated because of the stories that we tell, and this year we became the story. But it's not just a story affecting the entertainment industry. It's one that transcends any culture, geography, race, religion, politics or workplace. So I want tonight to express gratitude to all the women who have endured years of abuse and assault because they, like my mother, had children to feed and bills to pay and dreams to pursue.”
She also said, “I want all the girls watching here and now to know that a new day is on the horizon. And when that new day finally dawns, it will be because of a lot of magnificent women .. and some pretty phenomenal men fighting hard to make sure that they become the leaders that take us to the time when nobody has to say 'me too' again.”
Watch the inspiring speech here:
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