After being welcomed by an instrumental adaptation of "Mamma Mia!" which she sang in a version of its play, Meryl Streep took to the stage after being announced the winner of the Cecil B. DeMille award for her "outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment," according to the Golden Globes. With a voice that was barely there, stating that she had "lost [her] voice in screaming and lamentation... and [has lost her] mind some time earlier this year," Streep gracefully accepted her Golden Globe.
However, Streep's speech was not the usual "thank you."
First bringing attention to the origins of many different celebrities, including Viola Davis' roots in South Carolina and Amy Adams being born in Italy, Streep asked "Where are their birth certificates?" poking fun at the birth certificate drama that surrounded President Obama during his time in office.
"Hollywood is crawling with outsiders and foreigners, and if we kick them all out, you'll have nothing to watch but football and mixed martial arts," she said, earning a loud roar from the crowd.
Streep then started to describe the disgust she held when (without mentioning his name) President-elect Donald Trump mocked a disabled reporter earlier this year. She shared her shock with the audience, with the camera panned around to meet solemn and serious faces.
"It kind of gives permission for other people to do the same thing," she said, with a slight break in her voice, most likely due to losing her voice earlier in the week.
Streep called out the press after, asking them to hold people in the public eye accountable for their actions and then asking the audience to support journalists. Society will need them to archive everything that happens, answer to it, and find ways to fight or fuel it.
Without even mentioning his name, Meryl Streep delivered an eloquent and fire-driven speech that did not attack President-elect Donald Trump. Instead, she insists that the press provide coverage of what he does, what he is, and what he could mean for the American public. They should call out these people of higher "rank" and more privilege to provide the truth to those to which it matters.
What do you think of Streep's speech? Was it appropriate for the occasion? Do you agree with her thoughts?
