The Oscars this past Sunday were no exception to the typical Hollywood awards show: millionaire movie stars lecturing America how to think and where to stand politically. With the show’s plummeting ratings, it signifies that middle America has caught on, and are tired of seeing their favorite actors get political. However, to my surprise, one Oscar speech this year deviated from the typical party-line lecture and delivered a message of unity. Renée Zellweger, Oscar winner for Best Actress in Judy, delivered a flawless acceptance speech that every American, Hollywood elitist, and politician needs to hear.
Similar in its standout nature to Oprah Winfrey’s powerful speech at the 2018 Golden Globes, where she triumphantly reassures “all the girls out there” that “a new day is on the horizon,” Zellweger preaches for the nation to unite around our heroes. After thanking 24 people by name at the beginning of her speech (an impressive feat in itself), Zellweger took an unconventional turn. She turned to discuss the film Judy, a film commemorating the life of actress and singer Judy Garland: “I have to say that this past year of conversations celebrating Judy Garland across generations and cultures has been a cool reminder that our heroes unite us.”
She continues, explaining when we look up at our heroes and role models, we feel inspired to be the best versions of ourselves: “When we look to our heroes, we agree, and that matters. Neil Armstrong, Sally Ride, Dolores Huerta, Venus and Serena [Williams] and Selena, Bob Dylan, Scorsese, Fred Rogers, Harriet Tubman… We agree on our teachers, and we agree on our courageous men and women in uniform who serve. We agree on our first responders and firefighters. When we celebrate our heroes, we’re reminded of who we are as one people, united.”
Zellweger put it beautifully without skipping a beat. Everyone knows our country is the most divided its been in a long time, and it’s something President Trump promised to try to fix when he took the stage after his victory in 2016. He was overly ambitious on this promise to say the least — the divide in part due to him, other parts not so much. Zellweger took the attention away from politics (unlike Brad Pitt who, just an hour previously, went after the integrity of the Impeachment Hearings) and put it on those who are not only American icons but the individuals who are the backbone of our society. Our teachers, our troops, our lifesavers. Everyone is grateful for these people and many more of the everyday unsung heroes; this gratitude unites us. We are “one,” as Zellweger says.
Perhaps Zellweger was inspired by the ceremony for the latest recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal: Steve Gleason. Gleason is a father and former NFL player who is currently in a battle with Lou Gehrig’s disease, also known as ALS. On Jan.15th, Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) among several other senior members of Congress, sat side by side in all smiles, despite party affiliation, to honor Gleason. United, for this hero who is in the battle for his life, who has done so much for the sport of football and the country at large. You probably missed it, because it was barely covered by cable news outlets, who are also at fault for such a divide. It was in this powerful moment, where the nation could see these members of Congress, normally in gridlock, united under gratitude for a hero. This is the type of gratitude that Zellweger was referencing in her speech, and it is something our nation needs more of.
Whether it is across generations or cultures as Zellweger suggests, heroes are among us, and who we should look to in times of great division like the present. She includes Judy Garland as one of these heroes too. She claims that this Oscar is an extension of the “celebration of her legacy that began on [their] film set” and that it is also “representative of the fact that her legacy of unique exceptionalism and inclusivity and generosity of spirit, it transcends any one artistic achievement.”
So to the tune of Zellweger’s speech, I say this: Dear Hollywood, lay off the political lectures for a while. At least until we heal as a nation and become the United States of America again. Learn from Renée and try to focus on championing the films that inspire and celebrate our heroes. Judy and A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood were some of the favorite films of the year for a reason. You cannot complain about how divided we are and then turn around to openly criticize the views of approximately half of the voting electorate. Change can start with individuals in the entertainment industry. Renée is doing her part; it’s time for you to do yours.
