Oscars: a Platform for Social Change:

by Haleigh Smith

The speech given by Joaquin Phoenix as he accepted his Oscar at the 2020 academy awards reminds many of how important it is to use your influence and ability to speak to spread social change. “I think the greatest gift that it [acting] has given me, and many of us in this room, is the opportunity to use our voice for the voiceless” are the words of Phoenix on the stage of the 2020 Oscars. He then begins to talk of the “distressing issues that we are facing collectively”, whether that be gender inequality, racism, queer rights, indigenous rights and animals rights, Joaquin talks about the fight against injustice. This powerful speech by a man with a lot of global admiration and influence allows his voice and message to be heard across the globe as he is broadcasted over international television. Another example of this 17-year-old Greta Thunberg, whose strong will and talent for speaking have enabled her to kick start an environmental movement across the world as thousands of people protest in England, United States, Canada and many more countries within Europe. Greta is an example of how passion can lead a path to change. 

As well as Joaquin Phoenix and other influencers, actors and actresses have done similar things. A couple of years ago Leonardo Di Caprio used his speech opportunity to bring attention to the issue of global warming and the importance of the environment. Patricia Arquette spoke out about the gender wage gap. Halle Berry spoke out about the faceless women of colour. Tom Hanks dedicated his award to his gay drama teacher and the many who lost their lives to AIDS. Even back in 1973, Marlon Brando sent up Native American activist Sacheen Littlefeather on stage in his place and rejected his award on his behalf. This influence does not restrict itself to the winners of awards such as the Academy Awards and Golden Globes but is also seen in the form of charity. Elton John established “The Elton John AIDS Foundation” in 1993 to support innovative HIV prevention, care and education programs. Queen band members Brian May, Roger Taylor and John Deacon established the Mercury Pheonix trust in support for AIDS awareness and support and Michael J Fox founded the ‘Fox Foundation’ for Parkinson’s disease. Miley Cyrus and Millie Bobby Brown got heavily involved in the “March for our Lives” movement to fight against gun violence in the United States. 

The involvement of celebrities such as Millie Bobby Brown and Joaquin Pheonix in evoking social change is vital as their involvement catches the attention of the media, helping the movement gain momentum and it helps charities gain support and awareness. An example of this influence is seen when Marlon Brando got involved in the Native American Fish-ins as a protest against treaty violations and restrictions. The presence of Marlon Brando attracted the attention of the media and therefore spotlighted the issue to many people. 

The words of Joaquin Phoenix sum up the importance of using a social platform to help spread awareness, as he emphasises that the greatest gift acting has given him is the ability to be a “voice for the voiceless”.