Having received her first Golden Globe nomination almost 40 years ago, it’s no wonder Meryl Streep is being awarded one of Hollywood’s most honoured accolades: the Cecil B. DeMille Award – a title that recognises outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment.
Well, today, Meryl continued to contribute to the world, but this time, bestowing compassion, empathy and benevolence during her acceptance speech – namely speaking out against President-elect Donald Trump, as well as paying homage to her friend, the late Carrie Fisher.
“An actor’s only job is to enter the lives of people who are different from us and let you feel what that feels like,” she began.
“And there were many, many, many powerful performances this year that did exactly that. Breathtaking, compassionate work.”
“But there was one performance this year that stunned me. It sank its hooks in my heart. Not because it was good – there was nothing good about it.”
Her insightful address continued: “It was that moment when the person asking to sit in the most respected seat in our country imitated a disabled reporter, someone he outranked in privilege, power and the capacity to fight back.”
“It kind of broke my heart when I saw it.”
“Disrespect invites disrespect,” she implored. “Violence incites violence. When the powerful use their position to bully others, we all lose.”
Meryl then went on to talk about the loss of her friend, Carrie Fisher.
“As my friend, she said, fighting back tears, “the dear, departed Princess Leia said to me once, ‘Take your broken heart, make it into art.’”
Meryl’s award presentation comes as the esteemed actress clocks up her 30th Golden Globe nomination in 38 years.
Not only that, but she is the first person in more than two decades to accept this honour in the same year as receiving a Golden Globe nomination (Meryl is nominated for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical for her role in Florence Foster Jenkins).
Previous recipients of the award include Denzel Washington, George Clooney, Jodie Foster and Morgan Freeman.
Golden Globe award winner Viola Davis presented the award to the celebrated actress, adding: “You make me proud to be an artist. You make me feel that what I have in me – my body, my face, my age – is enough.”
WATCH Meryl’s moving speech in the video below.
