It’s safe to say, the tide against gender stereotypes and sexual harassment in Hollywood has turned into a full-blown tsunami with today’s 24th annual Screen Actor’s Guild Awards featuring only female presenters.
Following on from the many Women’s Marches that took place over the weekend, women took centre stage at the awards celebrating Hollywood’s best performances, with Kristen Bell the ceremony’s first ever host. Traditionally, a man and woman have been paired together to present each category’s winner but this year, only women presented. Presenters included: Lupita Nyong’o, Olivia Munn, Mandy Moore, Kate Hudson, Brie Larson, Goldie Hawn, Maya Rudolph, Geena Davis, Gina Rodriguez, Halle Berry and Kelly Marie Tran.
SAG-AFTRA president Gabrielle Carteris spoke of the shift happening in Hollywood, telling the audience: "We are, with brave voices saying 'Me Too' and advocates who know time is up, we are making a difference. You are making a difference. It's amazing. Change is coming and we are the agents of that change."
Nicole Kidman, who won the award for outstanding performance by a female actor in a television movie or miniseries for Big Little Lies paid tribute to her other nominees, Jessica Lange and Susan Sarandon, for showing age is no barrier.
Nicole Kidman paid tribute to her fellow actresses over 40. (Image: Getty Images) Source: Getty Images
“How wonderful it is that our careers today can go beyond 40-years-old,” she said. “We’ve proven – and these actresses and so many more are proving – that we are potent and powerful and viable. I beg that the industry stays behind us because our stories are finally being told.”
And unlike at the Golden Globes, it wasn’t only the women in the room acknowledging Hollywood’s post-Weinstein climate. Upon winning the award for outstanding male actor in a supporting role for Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, Sam Rockwell paid tribute to the film’s Frances McDormand. “I’m in awe of [McDormand] and I stand shoulder to shoulder with you and all the incredible women in this room for trying to make things better,” he said. “It’s long overdue.”
Even the statuettes weren’t free from scrutiny with Morgan Freeman, who was presented with the Lifetime Acheivement Award pointing out the gender-specific trophy. “From the back they’re fine,” he said. “From the front, it’s gender specific.”
Goldie Hawn presented an award with her daughther, Kate Hudson. (Image: Getty Images) Source: Getty Images
There's no doubt that a change is happening, and all eyes will be on the Oscars in March.
