The Oscars are always an interesting time for the film world, and it's also often a time for actors and actresses to express themselves in new ways. While many of us were pretty focused on the way Best Actor winner Will Smith chose to express his feelings about Chris Rock's joke regarding his wife's alopecia, Best Actress winner Jessica Chastain also took the time during the ceremony to shed some light and bring awareness to an important issue.
Jessica Chastain Gets Emotional Calling Out 'Bigoted' Anti-LGBT+ Legislation In Best Actress Speech
Getty | FREDERIC J. BROWN
Jessica Chastain took home the Best Actress Oscar for her work in 'The Eyes Of Tammy Faye.'
This was Jessica's first Oscar win, and as expected her speech thanked the Academy as well as those in her personal life who helped her get to where she was, as well as the fellow nominees in the category. “Kristen, Nicole, Penelope, Olivia, I love you guys so much and to even be included in the conversation with you is such an honor," Jessica said.
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Instead of stopping there, however, Jessica continued, saying, “we are coming out of some difficult times that have been filled with a lot of trauma and isolation.”
“Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States,” Jessica went on. “It’s touched many families; it’s touched mine. And especially members of the LGBTQ community, who oftentimes feel out of place with their peers.”
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Jessica's heartfelt speech continued.
Getty | ROBYN BECK
While not specifically mentioning any bill, including the controversial Floridian Don't Say Gay bill that was a frequent subject of discussion at the Oscars, Jessica did bring up “discriminatory and bigoted legislation that is sweeping our country with the only goal of further dividing us,” and “violence and hate crimes perpetuated on innocent civilians all over the world.”
Jessica used her speech to call for compassion for others.
“It connects us all in the desire that we want to be accepted for who we are, accepted for who we love, live a life without the fear of violence or terror. And for any of you out there who do, in fact, feel hopeless or alone, I just want you to know that you are unconditionally loved for the uniqueness that is you," she said.
What a beautiful moment that you can watch right here.
