A standing ovation for an important message. Stars at the 72nd Annual Golden Globes rose to their feet after the Hollywood Foreign Press President Theo Kingma gave a moving speech about freedom of expression, following the North Korea leaks and Charlie Hebdo Paris attacks.
“Tonight we honor the best in both film and television. Your work has inspired and uplifted us, and has offered messages of beauty, hope, and humanity, and at times has humbled us. Highlighting the gap between who we are and who we could be,” he told the crowd.
Earlier this week, three men attacked the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, killing 12 people, including four of the publication’s founding cartoonists. Its writers previously faced backlash from some Muslims for publishing cartoons about their Prophet, Muhammad.
Last month, the FBI confirmed that North Korea was behind the embarrassing Sony leaked emails. The hackers threatened 9/11-like attacks if the film The Interview, which poked fun of its leader Kim Jong-un, was released.
“As international journalists we understand the freedom of artistic expression. It is not only an integral part of the American fabric, but a beacon that is reflected across the globe,” Kingma continued on stage. “Together we will stand united against anyone that will repress free speech. Anywhere, from North Korea to Paris.”
With Meryl Streep’s lead, the star-studded room stood and clapped in agreement. Just moments before, the Oscar winner, who is nominated for her performance in Into the Woods, joined comedian Margaret Cho for a fun gag. Asked by hosts Tina Fey and Amy Poehler, Streep posed for a photo with Cho as she held a fake magazine with Jong-un’s face on the cover.
“Do it for all of us Meryl. We love Korea,” Poehler said. Fey added: “Crisis reverted.” Birdman star Michael Keaton took the snapshot, while a silent Cho wore a North Korean soldier outfit.
Kathy Bates and Helen Mirren also got their point across before the awards show even began. The actresses held up “Je Suis Charlie” signs on the red carpet. “Je Suis Charlie,” meaning “I am Charlie,” is a slogan supporters have been using for victims since the Jan. 8 Paris attack.
George Clooney, for his part, wore a pin to show support and stand up alongside his peers in Hollywood.
