2016 Oscars Highlights Social Issues
Posted on February 29, 2016
What a night it was for Leonardo Dicaprio, the entire Mad Max team and Brie Larson. What a night it was for the WORLD.
Last night’s Oscar’s ceremony veered from the typical glitz and glamour to showcase something entirely different…critical social issues.
Each year, millions of viewers watch as the award winners head to the stage and accept the iconic golden statue. With millions of eyes watching and ears listening, this moment presents the perfect opportunity for celebrities to share meaningful messages and inspire others.
Last night’s ceremony had no shortage of inspirational messages. Multiple celebrities used their acceptance speech to speak about…acceptance. Here’s a brief break down of the issues presented at the show:
Lady Gaga: Sexual Abuse
Lady Gaga took the stage to perform her nominated song “Til it Happens to You” from “The Hunting Ground,” a documentary that centers around the culture of sexual abuse on college campuses. Surrounded by a group of sexual abuse survivors, Lady Gaga sent an important message about the impact that sexual abuse leaves behind.
Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu: Equality
After hearing his name being announced during the best director category, Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, a Mexican film-maker, took the stage to accept his award. In his speech, he urged the world to “liberate ourselves from all prejudice” and to ensure that the “color of our skin becomes as irrelevant as the length of our hair.”
Sam Smith: LGBT Rights
Upon accepting his award for Writings on the Wall, Sam Smith dedicated his victory to the LGBT community. Standing on the stage as a first time Oscar nominee and winner, Sam Smith took the opportunity to share his hope that one day, the world will stand together as equals.
Leonardo Dicaprio: Climate Change
Finally, Leo won an Oscar! His role in The Revenant, a film which discusses man’s relationship with the natural world, got a lot of Oscar buzz. Upon accepting his award, Leo took the opportunity to speak about how climate change is real and is happening now saying, “It is the most urgent threat facing our entire species and we need to work collectively and stop procrastinating. We need to support leaders around the world who speak for all of humanity.”
We acknowledge and thank all of the nominees who took a moment to highlight such important social issues. It’s time for us to open our eyes, see the issues surrounding us, and work to make a change. Our hope is that one day, all that needs to be said on the Oscar stage are some well-deserved “thank you”s!
We acknowledge and thank all of the nominees who took a moment to highlight such important social issues. It’s time for us to open our eyes, see the issues surrounding us, and work to make a change. Our hope is that one day, all that needs to be said on the Oscar stage are some well-deserved “thank you”s! 
