Boy, did she "keep it real" in her acceptance speech.
Mo'Nique had been considered a strong favorite to win the award for months due to her searing portrayal of an abusive mother in the film Precious, which had been adapted from a book called "Push" by Sapphire. When her name was announced as the winner last night, she took to the stage wearing an emotional expression and immediately conveyed her gratitude.
She gave thanks to the Oscar voters for "showing that [winning] can be about the performance and not the politics." I was instantly thrilled with her saying that because the academy has a long history for overlooking incredible performances by actors (especially Blacks) in order to award trophies to films that are less deserving, but are a good "Oscar fit."
Mo'Nique also thanked her husband for his unconditional support to her and issued a special thanks to Hattie McDaniel, who won the same award in 1939 during a time of great racial discord and inequality for Blacks. McDaniel was the first ever African-American to win an Academy Award which prompted Mo'Nique to pay an homage to her, both verbally and by wearing a gardenia in her hair just as McDaniel did 70 years ago during her speech.
Rounding out her speech, Mo'Nique thanked Tyler Perry (who was in attendance) and Oprah Winfrey, both of whom served as producers on the film. Because of Perry and Winfrey's larger-than-life status and influence in the entertainment industry, Precious was given a distribution deal. Mo'Nique said it succinctly; "Because you touched it, the whole world saw it."
I loved Mo'Nique's speech because it was raw, uncompromised and without the coat of sugar that is typically sprinkled upon any formal Hollywood event.
Hollywood needs more honesty.
No comments:
Post a Comment