Celebrities Used The Golden Globes Stage To Address The Australian Fires
Cate Blanchette, Russell Crowe and Ellen DeGeneres were just some of the celebrities who drew attention to the catastrophic fires
This year’s 77th Annual Golden Globes Awards was more than an awards show this year, as celebrities utilised the stage as a platform to address the crises of climate change and the catastrophic bushfires in Australia.
Australia is experiencing it’s very worst bushfire season in history. The fires have been raging across the country since September, taking with it over 20 human lives, 1,500 homes and almost half a billion animal lives.
A number of Australian actors used the 2020 Golden Globes stage to thank the Australian firefighters for their courage and effort. “There are a lot of Australians in the room tonight,” said Cate Blanchette. “I know we are all very grateful for the call-outs to our fellow compatriots who are suffering under the bushfires, so thank you. I wanted to do a special callout to the volunteer firefighters who have been at the center of battling the climate disaster that is facing Australia,” continued Cate. “And, of course, when one country faces a climate disaster, we all face a climate disaster, so we are in it together.”
Actor, Russell Crowe, who grew up in Sydney, Australia, won Best Actor for his portrayal of Roger Ailed in ‘The Loudest Voice’, wasn’t able to accept his award as he was back home in New South Wales with his family preparing for the next round of bushfires. Despite not being able to be there, Russell ensured that his voice was heard and had Jennifer Aniston, who was presenting the award, read his statement on his behalf.
“Make no mistake the tragedy unfolding in Australia is climate-change based,” Crowe said. “We need to act based on science, move our global workforce to renewable energy and respect our planet for the unique and amazing place it is.”
Already 6.3 million hectares of bush, forest and parks have been burned and it has been said that these fires may continue to go on for months.
Many other celebrities either accepting or presenting an award also addressed the fires and how important it was for people to act. Actress Patricia Arquette, who won Best Supporting Actress for her role in ‘The Act’ drew attention to Australia and encouraged people to give the future generations “a better world” during her acceptance speech.
Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who won Best Actress for her comedy series ‘Fleabag‘ also made a statement in her acceptance speech announcing that she will be selling the Ralph & Russo suit she wore to the 2020 Golden Globes to raise money for the fight against the Australian bushfires.
“The money that is raised from it will go towards relief in Australia,” she said in a video shared online. “I think it’s a beautiful idea from the team. I’m really excited to be part of that.”
Ellen DeGeneres who won the Carol Burnett Award, also honoured Australia in her acceptance speech, “Australia I love you. My heart goes out to everyone suffering in Australia, all the animals that we’ve lost.”
Margot Robbie shared a video on her Instagram urging people to donate to the bushfires:
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