Actors, industry leaders call for unity, diversity and shared humanity throughout #SAGAwards

Photo Credit: A24

During an evening of stars, surprises and stellar talent at the 2017 SAG Awards, Hollywood spoke out throughout the ceremony for unity, diversity and inclusion as communities of all backgrounds were seen on the screen and, in turn, united us through our shared humanity.

 

Mahershala Ali won for MOONLIGHT, saying that there's an opportunity to get to know people other than those who are like you and not get caught up in the things that divide us. "That stuff is minutia, it's not that important."

 

 

Sarah Paulson won for her intense and stirring portrayal of Marcia Clark in "The People vs. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story".

 

Lily Tomlin was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Lily added at the end: "As long as I don't have to audition, I just may be back!"

 

ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK won for Best Ensemble for a Comedy Series saying that "we know that it’s going to be up to us and all of you probably to keep showing that what unites us is stronger than the forces that seek to divide us”.

 

Speaking as the daughter of an immigrant, Julia Louis Dreyfus won Female Actor in a Comedy Series for VEEP.

 

 

Viola Davis became the first black actress to win five SAG Awards, receiving the Actor for her role in August Wilson's FENCES, stating that "We deserve to be in the canon of everything's that out there." Inclusion and visibility is critical in accelerating acceptance of our diverse world.

 

 

Keri Washington made a statement about everyone's right to speak their mind during these troubling and challenging times.

 

 

 

 

The final award of the evening, for Outstanding Cast in a Motion Picture, was presented to the diverse HIDDEN FIGURES...as the cast looked shocked and surprised when their name was read aloud!  "This is what happens when we put our differences aside!  We are hidden no more."

 

 

 

As the country is moving towards a climate of divisive language and actions, these winning productions and casts illustrate that stories and content do indeed matter in reflecting a world that is diverse, inclusive and united!

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