Award show politics: conceited or brilliant?

With sparkly gowns and luxury tuxes adorned for a night of celebrating the best of the best in creative industries, the irony of celebrities using the space to discuss politics or to show their support of underprivileged groups can’t go amiss. The unsettling fact that if every single actor, musician or producer donated the same worth of their hunger games-esque costumes to any charity, it would be life changing. Yet, it can still be argued that the artists who do comment on political issues are actively creating discussions and even, possibly, start the change.

I understand the hesitation when it comes to celebrities making socio-political commentary at awards shows. There’s an underlying irony set with these millionaires preaching about politics and support for the lower classes whilst wearing a dress that costs $4,000,000 (Jennifer Lawrence).

It can be slightly dystopian, the idea that some of the richest people around right now being able to just freely comment on our struggles and then go home to a mansion is unsettling. However, I think the idea is to start the conversation and start to encourage other celebrities to speak out.

The best example from just this year already is the elusive Chappell Roan at the grammy awards. After winning “Best New Artist” she addressed record labels and their treatment of artists as a whole: “We got you but do you got us?”. The speech comments on her experience before blowing up last year, the lack of support and health insurance she received from her label. She calls out for more to be done for musicians who give everything into their work to get little basic support. 

The speech is heartfelt and well received amongst other artists and fans- even starting the discussion for artist rights. However, is this the right place for it?

At these big awards shows, the room is literally filled with the industry giants. The Oscars is filled with the best directors and the Grammys is filled with the best musicians- the people who can create change. Therefore, I believe that there isn’t a better space to discuss the issues within the industry or even in the wider world due to its reach with people but those who can, should actively help.

With the BAFTAs and Oscars (written before they occurred) right around the corner, it leaves the audience on edge- will someone comment on anything happening right now? Nominated for best leading actor in the Apprentice, Sebastian Stan has been very outwardly critical of President Trump which just makes me want him to win to hear the speech but I’m intrigued to see what other actors see as the “main issue” at the moment.